CHAPTER XX.
Not rain she finds the charmful task,
In pageant quaint, in motley mask.--Collins.
During this expedition of Henry and Sir Osborne, Lord Darby had acted with more prudence than might have been expected from one so light and volatile as himself. But, with all the levity of youth, he had a great fund of shrewdness and good sense, which enabled him keenly to perceive all the weaknesses of the king's character, and adapt his own behaviour exactly to the circumstance, whenever he was brought particularly in contact with the monarch.
In the present instance, seeing that the spirit of mystery had seized upon Henry, he consented to forego all more active amusement; so that, when the king and his young companion returned, they found the earl seated in the saloon wherein Sir Osborne had been armed, never having quitted it during their absence.
Henry was in high spirits. All had gone well with him: his expedition had been both successful and secret, and he was not a little pleased to find that the earl had not joined any of the gay parties of the court while he had been away.
"Ha, my lord!" cried he, as he entered; "still here! You have done well; you have done well. 'Tis a treasure you have brought me, this good knight. Snell, unlace my casque; I must thank you for him as a gift, for he is now mine own. He outdoes all expectation; nay, say not against it, Sir Osborne; I should be able to judge of these matters: I have broken spears enow, and I pronounce you equal to any knight at this court. Call some one to undo these trappings. But, Darby, you must not quit the court to-night. Dine here; 'tis time, i'faith; near one o' the clock! and take Sir Osborne Maurice with you. Make him known to the best of the court: say the king holds him highly. But stay," he added, "I had forgot;" and sending for the sub-controller of the household, he gave commands that the young knight should be furnished with apartments in the palace from that moment, and receive the appointment of a gentleman of the privy chamber. "The number is complete," he continued, turning to Sir Osborne; "but, nevertheless, you shall be rated as such, and yourself and men provided in the palace. See it be done, Sir John Harvey. Darby, return hither privately with your friend, at nine to-night. We have a masque and revel afoot; but take no heed to send to London for disguise; we will be your furnishers."
"I hope, sir," said the sub-controller, as the knight and his friend followed him from the presence, "you are aware that only three servants are allowed to a gentleman of the privy chamber."
"Three will be as much as I shall have occasion for," answered the knight; "the other shall remain in London."
"If you will follow me, then," said the officer, "I will show you to the apartment. Ho! send me a yeoman usher there," he continued, speaking to a servant who passed. "This way, sir, we shall find the rooms."
"What!" cried Lord Darby, after they had ascended a good many steps in one of the wings of the building; "are you going to put my friend in a third story? Think, Sir John Harvey, may not the king find it strange when he hears that a knight he honours with his regard has been so lodged?"