CHAPTER V.
BLUE-COAT'S STORY.
'Surely that isn't the end?' said a disappointed voice, as Uncle Algernon paused, and gazed thoughtfully at the portrait of Lady Greensleeves, which was leaning against the wall, opposite his writing-table.
'That is all I know of Lady Greensleeves' story,' he replied, with a smile; 'but doubtless Blue-coat has something to tell. You must wait till I have had a confabulation with him, though.'
'When will that be?' cried Robin. 'I do want so to hear his story! You see boys are so much more interesting than girls.'
Uncle Algernon laughed, and asked Silvia what she thought; but Silvia was so much affected by the story, that she was unable to give a coherent answer, and being, moreover, much ashamed of her tears, she made rather a sudden exit, leaving Robin to extract a promise from Uncle Algernon that Bluecoat's story would be forthcoming at four o'clock on the morrow.
The children were punctual next day—so punctual, that they had to wait full five minutes before Uncle Algernon could finish what he was writing, add another sheet to the pile of manuscript in his desk, wheel his chair round to the fire, and begin.
BLUE-COAT'S STORY.
'I was out on the Palace bowling-green one afternoon, with some of my companions, most of them boys of my own age, and fellow-pages of mine. It was just after dinner, and almost the only time in the day when we were free to amuse ourselves exactly as we pleased; for though the life of a Court page was idle and profitless enough, perhaps worse than profitless, it was not all pleasure—not one continual holiday, as I had fancied it in the old days at Newcourt. I had to attend constantly upon the Queen, my mistress, at breakfast, dinner, and supper. When she rode, when she walked in the garden, or in St. James's Park, I was almost always obliged to follow her; and when she went out in her coach, I formed one of the escort on horseback. Then, in the evening, there was dancing, or sometimes a masque, in both of which I was often expected to take part; and this I rather liked than otherwise—the acting especially. But still the perpetual restraint and stiffness of Court etiquette, from morning to night, were very wearisome to me, and you cannot imagine how much I enjoyed the short time that I could really call my own, when I could put out my whole strength, hallo as loud as I chose, and use my legs and arms according to my own free will. Perhaps the part of my duties which I most hated was the standing about in the ante-room to the Queen's presence-chamber every morning, to receive letters and petitions, or deliver messages, or usher in people who came to wait on Her Majesty. Well, on the afternoon referred to, I was rejoicing in the thought of the tiresome business of the morning being over, and, preparing to enjoy myself thoroughly, I threw off my coat, and caught up a ball, when I heard the voice of one of the lacqueys calling for "My Lord Desmond."
'"Who wants me?" I cried impatiently; for the interruption was most vexatious when one had so very little time to spare.
'"There is a lady in the ante-chamber asking for you, my lord. She prays to see you immediately on very urgent business."