le. "Mark me, boy! I would not that any should know
of this message, least of all the queen. 'Tis not that there is aught of
harm in it, lad. As thou art new to the court thou mayest not know that
it is not permitted to any to deem any fair save the queen, and so we are
sometimes forced to send tokens sub rosa."

"I know, Sir Walter," said Francis sadly. "'Tis for that very self-same
cause that I am here."

"Then, lad, we understand each other. Know you Mistress Elizabeth
Throckmorton, one of the queen's maids?"

"Nay; 'tis but my second day in the palace," replied Francis.

"Then must I show her to thee," said Sir Walter. "As Her Majesty goes to
take the air upon the river to-day I will linger a little behind. When
the maids of honor come forth, mark well my action. As they pass I will
drop my glove at the feet of her who is Elizabeth Throckmorton."

"I will note thy action, Sir Walter, and give to the lady thy token in
such manner that none save the fair one herself shall be the wiser."

"Good, my lad! Thou art a true Hermes. As gracious in thy service as was
ever that messenger of the gods. Thou wilt make me thy debtor a
thousandfold. What guerdon dost thou wish?"

"Nay, Sir Walter; I want nothing. 'Tis pleasing to me to be of service to
thee."

"Why, boy, 'tis the custom of the court to take all that one can get,"
cried Sir Walter who was noted for that very thing. "Hast thou no favor
to ask? No desire of thine inmost heart?"

"Oh," cried the girl as a thought darted into her mind, looking at him
timidly, "if I might be beholden to you for one favor. If thou wouldst,
Sir Walter----" she paused.

"Speak on, lad," said Raleigh kindly. "Thou are not the first to prefer
request for service. In truth thou wouldst be a rara avis shouldst thou
not demand something. There lives no man, nor woman, nor child at the
court who hath not his own end to further. Therefore speak and say what I
shall give thee."

"Sir Walter," said Francis emboldened by his words, "thou art a great
swordsman and noted for thy skill in the use of that weapon. Impart to me
that knowledge, I beseech you."

"Is that thy wish?" cried Sir Walter in amazement. "Right willingly will
I teach thee, for I perceive that thou art a lad of parts. 'Tis an art
that is more excellent than any other military exercise, because there is
very great and general use thereof. Not only in general wars, but also
in particular combats. Seek me anon, and I will s