'
Meanwhile Lord St. John was saying in Tom's ear:
'Please you, sir, keep diligently in mind his majesty's desire.
Remember all thou canst- seem to remember all else. Let them not
perceive that thou art much changed from thy wont, for thou knowest
how tenderly thy old playfellows bear thee in their hearts and how
'twould grieve them. Art willing, sir, that I remain?- and thine
uncle?'
Tom signified assent with a gesture and a murmured word, for he
was already learning, and in his simple heart was resolved to acquit
himself as best he might according to the king's command.
In spite of every precaution, the conversation among the young
people became a little embarrassing at times. More than once, in
truth, Tom was near to breaking down and confessing himself unequal to
his tremendous part; but the tact of the Princess Elizabeth saved him,
or a word from one or the other of the vigilant lords, thrown in
apparently by chance, had the same happy effect. Once the little
Lady Jane turned to Tom and dismayed him with this question:
'Hast paid thy duty to the queen's majesty today, my lord?'
Tom hesitated, looked distressed, and was about to stammer out
something at hazard when Lord St. John took the word and answered
for him with the easy grace of a courtier accustomed to encounter
delicate difficulties and to be ready for them:
'He hath indeed, madam, and she did greatly hearten him, as
touching his majesty's condition; is it not so, your highness?'
Tom mumbled something that stood for assent, but felt that he
was getting upon dangerous ground.
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