“Would it please you to go down the river?  I have a boat, and if you would like to see the shipping of this great port, and the palace at Greenwich for our seamen, my boatmen will take you down; and you will, I trust, return and take your midday meal with us.”

And so it was arranged; and as Rupert and Hugh were rowed down the river, lost in wonder at the numerous craft that lay there, Hugh admitted that Rupert’s interference in a business which was no concern of his had turned out a fortunate occurrence.

Chapter 5:  The Fencing School.

It was with no small trepidation that Rupert Holliday ascended the steps of the Earl of Marlborough’s residence in Pall Mall.  Hugh accompanied him thus far and stopped at the door, outside which, in the courtyard and in the hall, were standing many lackeys who had attended their masters.  Rupert felt very young, and the somewhat surprised looks of the servants in the hall at his appearance added to his feeling of youth.  He was shown into an antechamber, where a number of officers of all ranks, of courtiers, and politicians, were assembled, talking in groups.  Rupert felt alone and uncomfortable among this crowd of distinguished men, none of whom did he know, and no one paid the smallest attention to him.  He had on entering written his name down in a book in the hall, whence it would be taken in with others to the great man.

Presently an officer in general’s uniform came out from an inner room, and an instant afterwards the earl himself appeared.  Not only was John Churchill one of the most handsome men in Europe, but he was the most courtly and winning in manner; and Rupert, shrinking back from observation, watched with admiration as he moved round the room, stopping to say a few words here, shaking hands there, listening to a short urgent person, giving an answer to a petition, before presented, by another, giving pleasure and satisfaction wherever he moved.

Rupert saw, however, that even while speaking his eye was wandering round the room, and directly he perceived him he walked straight towards him, those standing between falling back as he advanced.

“Ah, my young friend,” he said warmly, holding out his hand to Rupert, “I was expecting you.

“Sir John Loveday, Lord Fairholm,” he said, turning to two young gentlemen near, “let me present to you Master Rupert Holliday, grandson of Colonel Holliday, one of the bravest of our cavaliers, and who I can guarantee has inherited the skill and courage of his grandfather.  He will make the campaign in Holland with you, gentlemen, for his commission has been made out today in her Majesty’s fifth regiment of dragoons.

“I will speak to you more, presently, Rupert.”