"I suppose," said he, as we were leaving his presence, "that I need not ask thee, Sir Walter, nor thee, Sir Frederick, to remain at my court when I do reach London; for I have heard of two fair maidens which ye do intend to make your wives. Well, ye are both right, and, when the Government hath been set in order, I do intend to follow your worthy example, and wed the fair, budding young Elizabeth. Ye both have my heartiest wishes of the happiness that ye have won through many dark days of misery, and by your gallant acts in the liberating of England from a rule of tyranny. Never doubt but that ye ever shall live in my memory, or that I ever will neglect some small reward for noble service rendered." "Thanks, thanks, your Majesty!" we replied. "And if your Grace doth ever require--the which pray God ye never may--two trusty swords, thou shalt never be compelled to send an order for them," said Harleston with a heartiness that could not be mistaken. "Well do I know that, sirs." Then turning to the gigantic fresh-dubbed knight, he said:-- "Sir Michael, thou hast no love that will keep thee from remaining with us at the Palace?" The mighty man started, and looked imploringly at the King, and then hopelessly at me; yet spoke he not a word. "Come, Sir Michael," said I, "speak freely your mind to his Majesty. He is not the tyrant Richard, that ever hated men to give their honest thoughts expression." Still did he hesitate and grew more confused with each breath. "Ah! I see the trouble, and I think none the less of thee for thy feeling," said the King, with admiration in his voice and manner, as he walked to where Michael stood and put his hand upon the honest shoulder. "Thou dost still wish to abide with your old master, and yet fear to displease me with refusing my request. Come, am I not right?" "Sure, that's the houle truth o' the thing, yer Majesty." "Then go with Sir Walter, my good friend. Such loyalty doth raise thee in mine estimation. I know full well that should I ever need thee, thou wilt flash thy good sword betwixt the two of these good friends." "Oi thank yer Majesty." "Farewell, my faithful friends. In London soon I hope to see ye all." As we left the room in which this interview took place I felt a great lump rise up in my throat, as I thought of my faithful Michael's loyalty. No word did I speak unto him; but I took his great hand in mine and pressed it hard. Right after dinner we set out for Westminster and proceeded rapidly, until we reached the Sanctuary late in the second day following. Joyous then was our reunion. The girls, the Queen and her daughters embraced, laughed and wept, whilst we men, which have no part in such scenes, stood and looked uncomfortably on.