Then the two illustrious visitors departed, Sir John himself going before them to the entrance gate of Gray's Inn. The Treasurer returned to the library, and for a while sat in deep thought; he was greatly agitated, yet there was springing up in his heart a blessed feeling of hope! After a while he rose, and, remembering his promise, went into the dining-room, where William and Susan sat anxiously awaiting him. Susan flew to meet him. "My dearest uncle," she cried, "you bring us good and comforting news, I can see it in your eyes." Sir John stooped and kissed her fondly. "Let us go into the library," he said; "we shall be undisturbed there, and I will tell you all." There Sir John resumed his seat, and with Susan nestling fondly at his feet, and William standing at his side, he detailed the conversation which had passed between him and his visitors, omitting nothing. His eyes were closely fixed upon William as he came to the military proposition of the Ambassador. William's face flushed scarlet, and his eyes flashed with evident joy. "The Ambassador was right," he said within himself; "the boy is a born soldier; it is in the blood!" Then aloud he said— "Was I acting rightly when I accepted Don Renard's proposal?" Instantly William flung himself at his uncle's knees with all affection and reverence, and seizing his hand, cried— "I ask nothing better, it is my dearest heart's wish; and when I speak for myself I speak for Ralph also; I can answer for him." "I thought so," replied the Treasurer, "but as far as Ralph is concerned (and he is chiefly concerned) I will go to the Fleet prison at once and learn his own decision." But poor Susan was mute! To be robbed of her two brothers at once, from whom she had never been long separated; to see them go forth to all the dangers of war; to think that she might never see them more, all this wrung her tender heart, and she began to sob gently. But she was yet to bear another trial, for William, turning to his uncle as he prepared to go forth, said— "One moment, uncle. Geoffrey de Fynes comes to London this day from Lewes on business of State. He longs for active service, and he is heartsick with his present mode of life. "Let me hie to the Ambassador at once and propose that De Fynes's name be added to ours. He will be here to-night, and I can vouch for him that he will rejoice to join us." The Treasurer hesitated for a moment, then said— "Yes, go, William, and at once. De Fynes is a brave man and true, I could not ask for a better comrade for my boys; I think it can be done." Thereupon he left them, and William prepared to go also. A deep sigh from Susan, almost a groan was it, arrested his steps. The poor girl had thrown herself upon a couch in an attitude of despair. William knelt at her side. "What is it, my dear one?" he said compassionately.