“Not always,” acquiesced Lord Stafford. 

 “He was not noble,” interjected Francis shortly. “Else he would not have claimed the deer. I would, good my father, that you compass his release, and let me take the consequences of my action. I killed the deer.” 

 “Be that as it may, child, the lad must bear the penalty. There are matters of grave import that must now be considered, and thou canst aid me.” 

 “I aid thee?” asked the girl in surprise. “Father, didst thou say my aid?” 

 “Thine, child. Come to me anon, and I will acquaint thee with the full import of the matter. Greville, thou standest like a hind. Give greeting to our guest. One would think that thou hadst never been at court.” 

 “I give thee welcome, sir,” said Greville bowing. “As my lord’s friend, I welcome thee.” 

 “Methinks thy countenance is not unfamiliar, Master Greville,” and the soldier returned his obeisance courteously. 25 

25

 “In London mayhap thou hast seen me. It was mine abode for a time,” replied the tutor carelessly. 

 “Perchance ’twas there,” mused the other with a searching look at the old man. “But howsoe’er that may be, later will I pledge to our better friendship.” 

 “I drink with no enemy of the queen,” said Greville coldly. 

 “Greville!” exclaimed Lord Stafford. 

 “We differ not, Master Greville,” smiled the soldier. “My life, my service, my all is devoted to our queen. God bless Her Majesty!” 

 “God bless Her Majesty, Elizabeth,” returned Greville pointedly. 

 “Thy mother waits thee, Francis, in her tiring-room,” interposed Lord Stafford hastily. “Come to me anon. Greville, no more of this an thou lovest me.” 

 The tutor without another word withdrew from the room accompanied by his pupil. 

 “Was it not strange, cousin, that I should have thought our guest a priest?” queried Francis when they were beyond the portals of the door. 26 

26

 “Nay; the habit doth not always proclaim the monk,” quoth Greville sententiously. “You spoke truer than you knew when you 

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