Page:Cup of Gold-1929.djvu/244
Cup of Gold
though I myself did issue it. There are clauses in your commission which might get us both criticized. As it is, we may be hanged; but I don't know—I don't know. Of course, there is peace between Spain and England—but no good feeling, none at all. The King is angry with us, but I think a few thousand pounds distributed in the right quarters might placate him were he mad with rage. The English people is filled with joy over the conquest. Don't worry about it, Captain; certainly I do not.” He looked keenly into Henry's eyes. `I hope, sir, that you can spare those few thousands when the time comes.”
Said Henry, officially, “I have tried to serve the spirit of my sovereign's wish, not the outward play of his politics.” And then, “Surely, Sir Charles; I have enough to buy the King's favor though it cost half a million. They say the King is a good man and a judge of fine women, and I never knew one such not to need money.”
“There is another thing, Captain,” said the Governor uneasily. “Your uncle was killed some time ago. His daughter is here in my house. Sir Edward was nearly penniless when he died. Of course, you understand, we would like to have her stay here with us always, but I do not think she is quite happy. I think she chafes under what she thinks is charity. You will look to her welfare, of course. Sir Edward died nobly and was commended by the King, but after all the commendation of the Crown cannot be spent.”
Henry smiled. “My uncle would have died
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