"Madam," he answered, "upon this news—that M. de Tourville rode at the Isle of Wight—I am come at once to London to offer Your Majesty my services—my sword——"
"You, my lord!" exclaimed Mary.
"Madam," he said, "for the second time all I have is at the service of His Majesty."
She looked at him steadily; she could not doubt his sincerity. He was again the man he had been in '88. Danger struck a fine spirit out of him, she thought, and she the more deplored his miserable defection of late.
"Ah, my lord," she said sadly, "when His Majesty wished for your services you refused them——"
"Then," cried Shrewsbury, "the French were not on the coasts."
She saw in his eagerness a desperate remorseful desire to make atonement, and further softened.
"I am in such a strait that I can refuse no offers," she said; "but, sir, I have no work for you."
"Send me to the Fleet, Madam—put me under my Lord Marlborough with the army. I will serve as a volunteer—as anything——"
"Had you shown this spirit before His Majesty went to Ireland I had been more grateful," Mary replied gently. "But I am glad to know of your loyalty, my lord."