orget my
disappointment. It is somewhat hard to forgive Drake for what I must think
false dealing with me, for I know well by whose means those mandates came
to Plymouth from the Queen. There was nought left for me but to obey, for
disobedience would have kept back the whole fleet; but the whole
transaction has left a sore--'

'Which will rapidly heal, Philip, in this new, and to my mind at least, far
grander appointment. Sure, to be Governor of Flushing means a high place,
and a field for showing all you are as a statesman and soldier. I am proud
and pleased; more proud of you than ever before, were that possible.'

They had reached a favourite spot now, where, from a slightly rising
ground, there was and is a beautiful view of Salisbury Cathedral.

'See yonder spire pointing skyward, Mary, how it seems to cleave the sky,
this November sky, which is like that of June? The spire, methinks, reads
me a lesson at this time. It saith to me, "Sursum corda."'

Lady Pembroke pressed her brother's arm with answering sympathy, and,
looking up into his face, she saw there the shining of a great hope and the
upward glance of a steadfast faith.

'Yes,' Sir Philip said, 'I am happy in this lot which has fallen to me, and
I pray God I may avenge the cause of those who are trodden down by the
tyranny of Spain. The Queen's noble words inspired me with great confidence
in the righteousness of the cause for which I am to fight. Her Grace said
her object was a holy one--even to procure peace to the holders of the
Reformed Faith, restoration of their time-honoured rights in the
Netherlands, and above all, the safety of England. It is a great work,
Mary; wish me God speed.'

'I do, I do; and now tell me about Frances and the babe. When is her
christening to be performed?'

'In four days. The Queen is so gracious as to ride from Richmond to London
to name our babe herself, and will dispense gifts in honour thereof. My
sweet Frances, the child's mother, is not as hearty as I would fain see
her, so she consents to delay her coming to Flushing till I can assure
myself that all is well prepared for her. I ride to London on the morrow.
The babe will be christened there. Two days later I purpose to convey
mother and child to Penshurst, where all who wish to bid me farewell will
gather. Our good father and mother, who do not feel strength enough for the
festivity of the Court, even to be present at the babe's christening,
proceed thither to-