Marlborough looked towards Harry, who flushed and bowed. An idea seemed to strike Godolphin. Linking his arm with the earl’s, he led him slowly to the other end of the room, and stood there talking earnestly to him in tones too low for Harry to catch a word. Once or twice both glanced at the tall youthful figure standing in some natural embarrassment near the door. Once Marlborough shook his head and frowned, upon which Godolphin took him by a button of his laced coat and spoke more earnestly than before. At length Marlborough smiled, laid a hand on Godolphin’s shoulder, and spoke a few words in his ear. Then he turned about, and coming slowly towards Harry, said, in his clear bell-like tones: "My lord Godolphin tells me you have lost your father and are all but penniless. ’Tis an unfortunate situation for a lad of your years. You would serve the Queen?" "Ay, my lord." "You have a quick wit, my lord says. I may make some use of you. Write your name on a piece of paper, and the name of your lodging." Godolphin motioned him to the table, where he found paper and a pencil. He wrote his name and the name of his inn, and handed the paper to Marlborough, who said, as he folded it and placed it in his pocket: "I will send for you, Master Rochester, if I can serve you." "My lord, I am much beholden to you—" began Harry. Marlborough interrupted him. "’Tis my lord Godolphin you should thank for his good word." "’Faith, my lord," said Godolphin, "’tis due to Master Rochester that the Queen is served by her present Lord Treasurer. I am glad, my lad, that my friend Lord Marlborough chanced to come upon us here, and I hope you will have reason to be glad also. Now, you will excuse us; we have matters of state to speak of; I wish you well."