"Madam," he said, "for the second time all I have is at the service of His Majesty." She looked at him steadily; she could not doubt his sincerity. He was again the man he had been in ’88. Danger struck a fine spirit out of him, she thought, and she the more deplored his miserable defection of late. "Ah, my lord," she said sadly, "when His Majesty wished for your services you refused them——" "Then," cried Shrewsbury, "the French were not on the coasts." She saw in his eagerness a desperate remorseful desire to make atonement, and further softened. "I am in such a strait that I can refuse no offers," she said; "but, sir, I have no work for you." "Send me to the Fleet, Madam—put me under my Lord Marlborough with the army. I will serve as a volunteer—as anything——" "Had you shown this spirit before His Majesty went to Ireland I had been more grateful," Mary replied gently. "But I am glad to know of your loyalty, my lord." "Madam, this is an urgent crisis—there is almost an open panic—as I rode up from Epsom, the people came running out of their cottages crying that the French were coming; in the country all are looking out their arms——" The Queen interrupted. "Some, I fear, with the design of joining the invader." "Why, God forbid!" he cried. "I have commanded the Guards down to Devon to seize the arms and houses of suspect persons," said Mary quietly; "and to-night, my lord, all the leaders of this Fuller plot will be in prison—yea, even to my Lord Clarendon." "Ah!" exclaimed Shrewsbury sharply. Mary fixed him with a proud but kind gaze. "There are many others whose guilt I know who have not been arrested," she said slowly. The young Duke pressed his hand to the embroidered ruffles over his bosom. "Why is Your Majesty thus tender with these—traitors?" he asked, in a trembling voice. "It is my policy," she answered quietly. "I am only a woman, and must trust to instinct. My lord, I will ask your advice about this matter." "My advice?" he stammered, very pale. "Yes. Supposing a great nobleman who had finely served His Majesty in ’88—one whom His Majesty loved and trusted—had, in a moment of weakness, of temptation, betrayed him, and then, being remorseful, I think, left his service—supposing, I say, that this gentleman came forward now, with offers of help, should I not trust him?" Shrewsbury stood mute. "I think I should," said Mary softly. "He is an English gentleman, and he would not take advantage of my great difficulties to intrigue against me; he would not take advantage of my confidence to lead his people to join the French—am I not right?" The Duke raised his head; his face was pitifully trembling. "Your Majesty’s generosity would not be misplaced," he answered hoarsely. "I am glad you think so, my lord. I may trust him, then?" "I pledge my life you may," said Shrewsbury ardently. "Thank you, my lord—I shall find you at your town house?" "I shall wait there to receive the commands of Your Majesty."