“What office do you fill at court, young Sir, for I conclude you have some post there?” demanded Philip, when young Clinton had done. “I am merely one of her Majesty’s gentlemen,” replied Osbert. “I would willingly have made a seaman of him,” interposed the Admiral, “and but that he dislikes the service, he might now be in command of one of yon gallant ships. Sorry am I to say that he prefers a court life.” “He is in the right,” said Philip. “Unless I am mistaken, he has qualities which will be better displayed in that field than in the one your lordship would have chosen for him—qualities which, if properly employed, must lead to his distinction.” “Your Highness judges me far too favourably,” said Osbert, bowing profoundly. “Not a whit,” rejoined Philip; “and to prove my confidence in you, I will attach you—if you list—to my own person.” “My nephew cannot quit the Queen’s service without her Majesty’s consent,” said the Admiral, in a tone which, though deferential, showed his dislike of the proposition. “That is always implied,” said Philip. “But supposing her Majesty agreeable, what says the young man to the arrangement?” “I am entirely at your Highness’s commands,” replied Osbert, overwhelmed with gratitude. “And ready to become a Spaniard, and forswear your country, if need be, I make no doubt,” observed the Admiral, gruffly. “I shall violate no duty to the Queen by serving her consort,” said his nephew; “and England and Spain will be so closely linked together by this most propitious union, that they will become as one land, wherein there will be no divided service or interests.” “That time is not yet arrived, and never will arrive,” muttered the Admiral. “You are doubtless anxious to return to your ship, my lord,” said Philip. “I will no longer detain you.” “I thank your Highness,” replied the Admiral. “We will make all haste we can, but there is little wind, and I fear it will be somewhat late ere we can reach Southampton.” “It matters not,” said Philip. “I shall not disembark till to-morrow.” “Your Highness will exercise a wise discretion in the delay, as a better reception can be given you,” returned the Admiral. “I humbly take my leave. Come, nephew.” “It is my pleasure that your nephew should remain with we, my lord,” said Philip. “But I am about to despatch him in a swift galley to her Majesty,” remonstrated the Admiral. “You must find a fresh messenger, my lord,” said Philip. “I have other business for him. However, I would place no constraint upon the young man. He can depart with your lordship if he is so minded.” “Nay, I desire nothing so much as to remain with your Highness,” cried Osbert, eagerly. “The Prince was right in saying he was born a courtier,” muttered the Admiral. “I can do nothing with him.”