"Is that thy wish?" cried Sir Walter in amazement. "Right willingly will I teach thee, for I perceive that thou art a lad of parts. 'Tis an art that is more excellent than any other military exercise, because there is very great and general use thereof. Not only in general wars, but also in particular combats. Seek me anon, and I will soon make thee a master of the sword." With a dazzling smile he left her. Francis repaired to the courtyard to await the coming of the queen and her maidens. The royal barge, manned by watermen attired in regal liveries, lay at the foot of the great stairs which ascended from the river. The yeomen of the guard in scarlet jerkins with halberds in their hands, guarded the passage from the palace to the waterside. Presently the ushers issued from the mansion, flanked by a band of gentlemen pensioners. After this, amidst a crowd of ladies and gentlemen, came Elizabeth herself. Sir Walter Raleigh walked by the queen, but, as if pushed back from his position by the press of people who crowded to see her, he dropped slightly to the rear. As the ladies went gaily by, laughing and talking, he let fall his gauntlet just in front of a beautiful girl. Recovering the glove as Elizabeth looked about inquiringly for him he resumed his place by her side. He was in high favor at this time, and consequently obliged to be in constant attendance upon her. Francis looked attentively at the lady so indicated and followed the maids as unobtrusively as possible to the boats. The young ladies of honor were to be in a boat by themselves with two older ladies for chaperons. As soon as the girl perceived this she pushed forward boldly, and, with true page-like officiousness, proffered her services to the beautiful Elizabeth Throckmorton. "I have a page of mine own in attendance, young sir," said the lady with a smile. "Nathless I thank you for your courtesy." "Fair lady," said Francis in a low tone, "hast ever heard of Hermes?" "He was the messenger of the gods, sir," returned she in surprise. "Why?" "Because I am he," returned the supposed page with a bow. "Albeit I come not from the gods. 'Twas Eros who sent me, therefore, I beseech you to permit me to hand you to the boat." With a laugh and a deep blush Mistress Throckmorton extended her hand, and Francis led her to the barge, leaving the missive of Sir Walter in the maiden's soft palm. Later in the day, receiving a summons from Raleigh she hastened to him and reported the success of her mission. "Gramercy, boy! thou wert most gallant in the delivery," laughed Sir Walter. "And now for thy first lesson with the sword." And soon the two were deep in the mysteries of fencing.