“By my faith, thou art as silvery tongued as Orpheus with his lute,” said Sir Walter with a smile. “Mark me, boy! I would not that any should know of this message, least of all the queen. ’Tis not that there is aught of harm in it, lad. As thou art new to the court thou mayest not know that it is not permitted to any to deem any fair save the queen, and so we are sometimes forced to send tokens sub rosa.” 152
“I know, Sir Walter,” said Francis sadly. “’Tis for that very self-same cause that I am here.”
“Then, lad, we understand each other. Know you Mistress Elizabeth Throckmorton, one of the queen’s maids?”
“Nay; ’tis but my second day in the palace,” replied Francis.
“Then must I show her to thee,” said Sir Walter. “As Her Majesty goes to take the air upon the river to-day I will linger a little behind. When the maids of honor come forth, mark well my action. As they pass I will drop my glove at the feet of her who is Elizabeth Throckmorton.”
“I will note thy action, Sir Walter, and give to the lady thy token in such manner that none save the fair one herself shall be the wiser.”
“Good, my lad! Thou art a true Hermes. As gracious in thy service as was ever that messenger of the gods. Thou wilt make me thy debtor a thousandfold. What guerdon dost thou wish?”
“Nay, Sir Walter; I want nothing. ’Tis pleasing to me to be of service to thee.” 153
“Why, boy, ’tis the custom of the court to take all that one can get,” cried Sir Walter who was noted for that very thing. “Hast thou no favor to ask? No desire of thine inmost heart?”
“Oh,” cried the girl as a thought darted into her mind, looking at him timidly, “if I might be beholden to you for one favor. If thou wouldst, Sir Walter——” she paused.