“Yes, mother; but he is a soldier.”
“So are you now, Roy,” said the dame, proudly. “And so must every man be who loves his king and country. Martlet is quite right, and I shall prepare your scarf and feathers with my own hands.”
“Why, mother,” cried the boy, wonderingly, “how you have changed since even a short time ago.”
“So has our position, Roy, my son,” she said, firmly. “Who’s there?”
The butler entered.
“Benjamin Martlet would be glad, my lady, if Master Roy would come and give him his instructions, and, if you please, my lady, he wishes me to help.”
“And you will, I am sure, Grey?”
“Oh, yes, my lady,” said the man, eagerly; “but I was afraid your ladyship might be wanting something, and no one to answer the bell.”
“I want my servants, Grey, to help me to protect their master’s interests while he is forced to be away in the service of the king. Can I count upon that help?”
“Yes, my lady, to a man,” cried the old servant, eagerly.