s my lord the King, until he be thoroughly
roused. But the blood of kings runs in his veins; and let him but
be awakened to the need for action, then he can act as a sovereign,
indeed."

"Then, good my lord, in the name of all those poor townsfolk whose
houses are standing yet, let the King be roused to a full sense of
the dire peril!" cried Harmer, in almost passionate tones; "for if
some one come not to their help, I trow there will not be a house
within or without the city that will not be reduced to ashes ere
two more days have passed."

"It is terrible to think of," said the Master Builder, who was
taking his meal with the young lord, by his special desire, both
having slept late into the morning after the exertions of the
previous night. "If you, my lord, can get speech of the King, and
show him the things you have seen and suffered, methinks that that
should be enough to rouse him. And doubtless you could get speech
of his Majesty without trouble, whereas a humble citizen might sue
for hours in vain."

"Yes, I trow that I could obtain an audience without much ado,"
answered Lord Desborough, though he gave rather a doubtful glance
at his soiled and fire-blackened garments, which were all he had in
the world since the burning of his house. "But I would have you go
with me also, good Masters Harmer and Mason; for it was your prompt
methods that saved the bridge, and perchance all Southwark too. I
would have you with me to add your testimony to mine.

"Master Harmer, your name was spoken often in the time of the
raging of the plague, as that of a brave and loyal citizen. It is
likely his Majesty may bear it still in mind, and it will give
weight to any testimony you have to offer."

Harmer and the Master Builder exchanged glances. They had not
thought to appear before royalty, but they were willing to do
anything that might be for the good of the town; and whilst the one
hurried away to procure a wherry to take them as near as might be
to Whitehall, the other supplied, from the stores in the shop, a
new court suit to young Lord Desborough befitting his rank and
station.

Lady Desborough was going on better than any had dared to hope. Her
husband stole in to look at her before his departure, and was
rewarded by a sweet and tranquil smile. He stole towards the
bedside and kissed her, telling her he was going to see the King;
and she, knowing that his duties called him often to Court, asked
no question, and se