I mean no offence, of course." "Of course not," commented the Earl of Portland, who was hugely delighted.
"I believe that opinion is held by some," his Majesty observed, with a side-glance at his friend.
"Not by me," said Portland tranquilly.

"There are worse than Salt-- whom, after all, your Majesty has neither enriched nor ennobled." William frowned.

For a moment or two he stood, scraping the gravel gently with the side of his boot.

At last he spoke: "Gentlemen, I thank you for your offer; and some day I may take advantage of it to command you: for honest men (however wrong-headed) and good commanders"-- this with a slight bow--"are always scarce.
For the moment, however, I should feel that I wronged you by accepting your service." "Your Majesty is good to us.

But our word holds." "I thank you.