On the present occasion, he paused a space before he replied to the servant’s announcement. His hesitation, however, was but momentary, and he then directed him to bring Sir Robert Cecil to his presence.
The servant, with a dutiful bow, proceeded to obey him, and shortly introduced Sir Robert to the study. He thereupon retired, and left the two courtiers, whose characters were so widely different, and so opposed to each other, to themselves.
There was a thoughtful melancholy on Cecil’s brow, whether real or assumed, that at once informed Sir Walter that his fall in the royal favour was known to that person. This was a relief; and though Sir Robert, on the whole, had no great hold of his esteem, he was rather cheered than otherwise by the sympathy expressed in his countenance. A mere glance served him to survey Sir Robert’s aspect; and by the time that the servant, on his way out, had closed the door behind him, and left them to themselves, he was prepared to accost him.
“Give thee a fair morning, Sir Robert!” he cried. “Thou art with me betimes; and yet, by my lady’s hand, I scarce looked for any visiters to-day!”
“An’ that were thy thought, thou didst wrong to me, at the least, Sir Walter Raleigh,” answered Cecil, with much earnestness. “’Tis not in thy reverses that I would forsake thee.”
“Kind! kind! more than I looked for, worthy Sir Robert,” answered Raleigh; “for, I see, by thy sad face, thou art advertised of my downfall!”
“Nay, call it not that!” rejoined Cecil. “Albeit thou art accused of a grave excess, I heartily hope, when the Queen’s anger abates, she will overlook it.”
“Grave excess!” exclaimed Sir Walter. “Dost know what I am charged withal, then?”
“I’faith, I have heard, though I vouch not how truly, thou art accused of leaving thy duties at the palace, as captain of her Highness’s guard, to loiter with some dame in the park,” answered Cecil. “Nay, I know not an’ it be so, but I am thus advised.”
“’Tis most like,” returned Sir Walter; “for, of a surety, I did visit the park last even, after her Highness had retired, purposely to meet a fair lady.”
Cecil bit his lips, and meditated a moment.
“Wilt thou own this to her Highness?” he said, at length.
“Will I?” cried Sir Walter: “without question, I will!”
