quite satisfied with Isoult's
proposal to fix a time beyond which Robin should resign the hope of
entering the ministry, and indeed seemed relieved by the suggestion. At
his request, Robin was waited for, and when he came up with them, Mr
Rose asked him what was the reason of his unwillingness to resign the
hope of receiving holy orders.

Robin answered, that "having offered himself and his service unto God,
he counted it not right to withdraw the same, unless it should be plain
that this was not the way wherein God would have him to serve."

And Mr Rose's reply was,--"Then, Robin, wouldst thou give up rather
Thekla than thine orders?"

"It were well-nigh giving up my life; yet I would do as God will have
me," said Robin, softly.

Mr Rose grasped his hand, and called him a brave lad, adding that "if
God so would, he would be right glad of such a son."

This speech made the tears no further from Robin's eyes, but he smiled
and thanked him. And he continued,--"Mr Rose, I would have you to know
that I do desire only to know and do what is God's will for me. If He
will make me His minister, I will be thankful for so great an honour;
for I do account the service of God higher than the dominion over men.
Yet, if I can serve Him better as a door-porter or a scullion, I would
have Him do His will with me."

"Ah Robin, God bless thee!" answered Mr Rose, earnestly. "Thou hast
learned a lesson which many a scholar of threescore and ten can yet
hardly spell."

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Note 1. The two ladies first named were second cousins of the King, and
stood in the line of the succession. The details here given are almost
entirely fictitious (except such as concern Edward himself), for little
is really known beyond the time, the place, and the King's presence.

Note 2. The canopy over the throne was called the cloth of estate,
often abbreviated into the estate.

Note 3. The Duchess Frances appears to have played a quiescent part in
this drama, so soon to turn into tragedy. Otherwise she (from whom
alone the title was derived) would scarcely have borne so meekly the
train of her own daughter.

Note 4. This must not be mistaken for swearing. It was an expression
used in the most reverential manner, and equivalent to "God's will be
done."

Note 5. A man infamous for his cruelty, especially to the Protestant
prisoners.

CHAPTER EIGHT.

THE TEMPEST T