In the Days of Queen Mary

's Inn, and, as their footsteps reached the ears of the wa

housewife and too loving a niece and sister to show her grief to men who had not d

y into the dining-room, where food and wine

ing the serva

ear uncle; alas, I know all, and presently we will confer togeth

ousewife; yet, ere he sat himself at table

st needs tell you that in half-an-hour two visitors will be here to whom I

ase so desperate?" cried Susa

who now are on their way hither are surely sent by Heaven to bring us that

sudden access of joy; yet she

esh yourself, dear uncle, and I will not speak a

relaxed into a smile,

ohn's major-domo entered the room,

ir John. They did not give me their names

n rose

ary," he said to his servant. "And you, my children, await my

ceeded to t

morning was chilly. Hastening towards them, Sir John fell on one knee at the

er reverent

but rather because he saw in Reginald Pole a Plantagenet in whose veins ran royal blood. Then, rising,

l opened th

ce your two brave nephews have rendered to him, and when I saw them in Court to-day and marked their manly bearing, their evident mutual love, and the heroic loyalty of the

inal's voice, and his noble face flushe

hich suffused Sir John's eyes,

air from your own point of view; I heard the Pursuivant's tale, but I would fain have it supp

s volunteer fo

mes. I would know the smallest detail of that gallant action

r his knees, the Cardinal leant back

aining eminently fitted him. Thus half-an-hour swiftly flew by, and at th

n soldiers; why are you bent upon making such fine fellows lawyers? I wager that they are better hands with their rapiers than with their quills.

English contingent, under Lords Pembroke and Clinton, which will proceed forthwith to join his army under the co

ken utterly by surprise,

ves upon so momentous a point; or, at

do you not know that the machinery of the Star Chamber moves quickly, and it may be (which God forbid) that to-morrow our young friend Ralph may stand in

ut of short duration; when the campaign is over, the lads may resume their legal studies if God spare their lives

a young man I did three years' duty at Calais and in Flanders

iled and answer

ed with the family of the Jefferays

nd pondered deeply. At length his min

t delay may be fatal. I therefore take the responsibility upon myself, and I acce

rose with a s

To-night we see the Queen and King Philip, and the matter will be decided. Ere

the good Cardinal, extending his hand, pronounced the benediction

rted, Sir John himself going before th

sat in deep thought; he was greatly agitated, yet there

promise, went into the dining-room, where

lew to

you bring us good and comforting

ped and kisse

said; "we shall be undisturbed

his side, he detailed the conversation which had passed between him and his visitors, omitting nothin

scarlet, and his eyes f

id within himself; "the boy is a

loud h

y when I accepted Do

uncle's knees with all affection and

art's wish; and when I speak for myself I

lph is concerned (and he is chiefly concerned) I will go

Susan w

rated; to see them go forth to all the dangers of war; to think that she might n

al, for William, turning to his unc

day from Lewes on business of State. He longs for active

at once and propose that De

nd I can vouch for him that

sitated for a mo

brave man and true, I could not ask for a bett

red to go also. A deep sigh from Susan, a

herself upon a couch in

knelt at

ear one?" he said

ough that I should lose my two brothers in on

m, "is that so?-and

roots of her hair, amid all

omes to London on no State business: it was to ask my uncle's consent. And no

bright ring sparkling on your finger. I rejoice thereat greatly; now we shall be brothers indeed, Geoffrey and Ralph and I! Trust

mfort. And so with reluctant steps William le

to himself in the spirit of the old Cr