“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!”
“Then is thy case hopeless!” said Cecil, turning away.
“Hold!” exclaimed Sir Walter. “Hast thou a mind to serve me in the matter?”