"I don't write it, sir," retorted the other, with an engaging touch of impudence. "Only verses—a little satire and a little truth."
Arthur Herbert laughed.
"Well, what is your name?"
"Prior, sir—Matthew Prior."
"Good evening, Mr. Prior, and remember that you did not see me to-night—silence, mind, even to your friends the Whigs."
"I know enough for that, sir," responded the student simply. He took off a battered hat with a courtly air of respect, and discreetly turned away and slipped back into the crowd.
The two gentlemen continued their way.
"We run some risk, you observe," smiled Mr. Sidney. "Who would have reckoned on that chance?"
"None but good Protestants are abroad to-night," answered the Admiral; "but I doubt if you will be safe in London much longer——"
"I will come to The Hague as soon as I dare—tell His Highness so much; but I would not have my going prejudice those who must remain at their posts—it would give a colour to rumours if I was to return to The Hague——"