whispered him to make a sign with his hand, and not trouble
himself to speak unless he chose. When the waiting gentlemen had
retired, Lord St. John said–
“His majesty commandeth, that for due and weighty reasons of
state, the prince’s grace shall hide his infirmity in all ways
that be within his power, till it be passed and he be as he was
before. To wit, that he shall deny to none that he is the true
prince, and heir to England’s greatness; that he shall uphold his
princely dignity, and shall receive, without word or sign of
protest, that reverence and observance which unto it do appertain
of right and ancient usage; that he shall cease to speak to any of
that lowly birth and life his malady hath conjured out of the
unwholesome imaginings of o’er-wrought fancy; that he shall strive
with diligence to bring unto his memory again those faces which he
was wont to know–and where he faileth he shall hold his peace,
neither betraying by semblance of surprise or other sign that he
hath forgot; that upon occasions of state, whensoever any matter
shall perplex him as to the thing he should do or the utterance he
should make, he shall show nought of unrest to the curious that
look on, but take advice in that matter of the Lord Hertford, or
my humble self, which are commanded of the King to be upon this
service and close at call, till this commandment be dissolved.
Thus saith the King’s majesty, who sendeth greeting to your royal
highness, and prayeth that God will of His mercy quickly heal you
and have you now and ever in His holy keeping.”
The Lord St. John made reverence and stood aside. Tom replied
resignedly–
“The King hath said it. None may palter with the King’s command,
or fit it to his ease, where it doth chafe, with deft evasions.
The King shall be obeyed.”
Lord Hertford said–
“Touching the King’s majesty’s ordainment concerning books and
such like serious matters, it may peradventure please your
highness to ease your time with lightsome entertainment, lest you
go wearied to the banquet and suffer harm thereby.”
Tom’s face showed inquiring surprise; and a blush followed when he
saw Lord St. John’s eyes bent sorrowfully upon him. His lordship
said–
“Thy memory still wrongeth thee, and thou hast shown surprise–but
suffer it not to trouble thee, for ’tis a matter that will not
bide, but depart with thy mending malady. My Lord of Hertford
speaketh of the city’s banquet which the King’s majesty did
promise, some two months flown, your highness should attend. Thou
recallest it now?”
“It grieves me to confess it had indeed escaped me,” said Tom, in
a hesitating voice; and blushed again.
At this moment the Lady Elizabeth and the Lady Jane Grey were
announced. The two lords exchanged significant glances, and
Hertford stepped quickly toward the door. As the young girls
passed him, he said in a low voice–
“I pray ye, ladies, seem not to observe his humours, nor show
surprise when his memory doth lapse–it will grieve you to note
how it doth stick at every trifle.”
Meantime 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 play-fellows 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