"Somehow," my dear Lord flushed, "I have a knack of making friends with the very roughest men, though I always fail with the smooth. This dear Browne, for instance, seems to get on with me. I told the sewer men that I had the honour to be Ulster's next-of-kin--that--that if--if the Lord Protector were to leave this world which he has so graced, certain estates would fall to me--which I could not accept. In fact, by a written deed I made them in some measure heirs of his Grace--and more suitable heirs than I for such a nobleman. I expressly by deed forbade them to assist at his death. If Whitehall is changed by earthquake, no man will fire the mine save my Lord Protector. He has laid mines, let him fire his mines with his own hand, and go to his God for judgment." The Queen's hand stole out softly and rested upon my Lord's shoulder. "And may I go on?" he asked. "Surely." "My friends of the sewers have been very good to me, and they had to save their families from hunger. "They're a queer people, wearing great heavy boots up to their thighs, and rough suits of canvas. They lent us such clothes the night before last, and Browne and I went with them to see the mines of dynamite under Whitehall. In course of a long, rather unpleasant ramble we came directly underneath the Chancellery and got our friends to break a passage upward into the building. Last night--taking our swords as a precaution, we visited the Chancellor's room, and found there a gentleman engaged at the telegraph. We had to wait some time before this gentleman noticed our presence. When he was at leisure Browne offered him the use of a sword. I found him an accomplished swordsman." "Who was this gentleman?" asked Margaret, and Lord Sydney rose upon his knees. "Madam," he said, gravely, "I engaged my commanding officer." "You fought the Duke of Gloucester!' "I killed him." Sydney drew his sword, and pointing the blade at his own breast presented the hilt to his sovereign. "You have killed Rupert!" Margaret laid her hands upon the hilt. "Heaven be my witness that now, and afterwards, I am ready to share the blame, and if there's punishment now or afterwards let it fall on me. What am I, Sydney, that I should have a friend like you, so loyal, so fearless, and so great? There, my dear friend, put away your sword. I knew that my cousin Gloucester was disloyal, and you have cleansed the dishonour of the Guard." "I am forgiven?" "So far as a very unhappy woman can forgive the dearest friend she has in the world." She thought for a moment, then, speaking eagerly, "What time did this happen?" "At eight this morning, madam." "Do you know that was the time of the early service?" "I was thinking of that." "Sydney, when I knelt before the Table, I saw you at my side!" "To-day I have been at peace," said my Lord. "I, too, Sydney. You have news for me. Why keep it back?" "Madam, I have news. I want to turn my back--for once, upon my Lady. May I?"