'Yes; I stayed,' the child said, 'because I promised, you know. I didn't like it--and when a lady rode up on a big grey horse, I did begin to run down, and then I stopped and went back to the lattice, and only looked at her. It was not a horse like Mr Sidney's, and I should not care to ride on a pillion--I like to sit square, like Mr Sidney does. When will he come again? If he comes, will you tell him I am learning to be a dutiful boy? He told me to be a dutiful boy, because I had no father; and I _will_ be dutiful and take care of you, sweet mother!' 'Ah, Ambrose! Ambrose!' Mary said, 'you are my joy and pride, when you are good and obedient, and we will take care of each other, sweetheart, and never part--' 'Not till I am a big man,' Ambrose said, doubtfully, 'not till I am a big man, then--' 'We will not speak of that day yet--it is so far off. Now we must set the board for dinner, and you shall help me to do it, for it is near eleven o'clock.' CHAPTER VI THREE FRIENDS 'To lose good days that might be better spent, To waste long nights in pensive discontent, To speed to-day--to be put back to-morrow-- To feed on hope--and pine with fear and sorrow.' SPENSER. The gentlewomen in attendance on the Queen had a sorry time of it during Philip Sidney's absence from the Court. She was irritable and dissatisfied with herself and everyone besides. Fearing lest the French Ambassador should not be received with due pomp in London, and sending for Lord Burleigh and the Earl of Leicester again and again to amend the marriage contract which was to be discussed with the Duke of Anjou's delegates. Secret misgivings were doubtless the reason of the Queen's uneasy mood, and she vented her ill-humour upon her tire-women, boxing their ears if they failed to please her in the erection of her head-gear, or did not arrange the stiff folds of her gold-embroidered brocade over the hoop, to her entire satisfaction. Messengers were despatched several times during the process of the Queen's toilette on this May morning to inquire if Mr Philip Sidney had returned from Penshurst. 'Not returned yet!' she exclaimed, 'nor Fulke Greville with him. What keeps them against my will? I will make 'em both rue their conduct.' 'Methinks, Madam,' one of the ladies ventured to say, 'Mr Philip Sidney is wholly given up to the effort he is making that the coming tourney may be as brilliant as the occasion demands, and that keeps him away from Court.' 'A likely matter! You are a little fool, and had best hold your tongue if you can say nought more to the purpose.' 'I know Mr Sidney spares no pains to the end he has in view, Madam, and he desires to get finer horses for his retinue.'