s
feeling abroad amongst the troops.'

'You may be right,' the Earl said, 'but let us away to our supper, it must
needs be served, and afterwards you shall take the viol, and chase away
any needless fears by your sweet music.'

The Earl was always ready to put away any grave or serious matter, and Sir
Philip was often hampered by the difficulty he found in bringing his uncle
to the point on any question of importance.

When Sir Philip and Lady Frances were alone together that evening, he
seemed more than usually grave and even sad.

'Are you grieved, Philip, about the Queen's displeasure? As soon as she
hears of Axel she will sure cover you with honours.'

'Nay, sweetheart, it is not over this matter that I am brooding. Concern
for you is pressing most.'

'For me! But I am merry and well.'

'Will you choose to remain here at Arnhem or return to Flushing with me? A
sore struggle must ensue before long, and Zutphen will be besieged. I have
been meditating whether or not I ought to send you and our babe under safe
convoy to England.'

'No--oh, no! I would fain stay with you--near you--especially now. My
ladies take good care of me, and little madam Elizabeth. She is well and
hearty, and so am I; do not send us away from you!'

'It shall be as you wish, dear love,' was the answer; 'though, I fear, you
will see but little of me. I have much to occupy me. But I will come to you
for rest, dear heart, and I shall not come in vain.'

In all the events and chances of war, Sir Philip did not forget his
servants; and he had been greatly concerned at the wound Humphrey had
received, which had been slow to heal, and had been more serious than had
at first been supposed. Before leaving Arnhem, Sir Philip went to the house
of Madam Gruithuissens, whither Humphrey had been conveyed when able to
leave the room in the quarters allotted to Sir Philip's retainers, where he
was nursed and tended by Mary Gifford and his kind and benevolent hostess.

Humphrey had chafed against his enforced inaction, and was eager to be
allowed to resume his usual duties. It was evident that he was still unfit
for this; and Sir Philip entirely supported Madam Gruithuissens when she
said it would be madness for him to attempt to mount his horse while the
wound was unhealed and constantly needed care.

It was the evening before Sir Philip left Arnhem that he was met in the
square entry of Madam Gruithuissens' house by Mary Gifford. She had been
rea