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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 to-day, 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. Somewhat later it was mentioned that Tom was to
study no more at present, whereupon her little ladyship exclaimed--
"
'Tis a pity, 'tis a pity! Thou wert proceeding bravely. But bide thy
time in patience: it will not be for long. Thou'lt yet be graced with
learning like thy father, and make thy tongue master of as many languages
as his, good my prince."
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