“I would see Sir Walter Raleigh, an’ he be within,” replied the taller cavalier.
“Will it please your worship to advertise me of your name,” answered the servant.
“Master Hildebrand Clifford, of his worship’s cruizer, the ‘Eliza,’” rejoined the cavalier.
“His worship will be heartily glad to see thee, Sir,” said the servant. “An’ it please thee, prithee follow me to his presence.”
Hildebrand and his companion, who was no other than Don Rafaele, immediately entered the house, and were led by the servant to the library. There, agreeably to a premonition of the servant, they found Sir Walter Raleigh.
As they presented themselves in the doorway, and Sir Walter’s eyes, glancing thitherwards, caught a glimpse of their features, he sprang to meet them, and caught Hildebrand by both his hands.
“My right trusty Clifford,” he cried, “give thee a hearty welcome home! I need not inquire of thy health; for ’tis manifest in thy face.”
“An’ the face offer such credible testimony, I have a fair assurance of thine, Sir Walter,” said Hildebrand. “But,” he added, with a smile, “wert thou ever so ailing, I have news for thee would make thee right merry.”
“The matter! the matter!” cried Sir Walter, eagerly.