Rafael Sabatini

“ Buckingham rose, smiling, and Sir Harry bounced up with him, smiling also. For the first and last time in the course of that short interview Sir Harry spoke.
"Your grace's devoted servant," he professed himself, bowing and smirking. "I shall study to discharge my office creditably, and to allay any qualms my youth may leave in your grace's mind."
"And youth," said Buckingham, smiling, to reassure Albemarle, "is a fault that time invariably corrects." ”

“ Albemarle fetched a sigh, and proceeded to explain himself.
"For this office—one of considerable responsibility—we require a soldier of tried experience and character. Sir Harry is no doubt endowed with many commendable qualities, but at his age it is impossible that he should have gained the experience without which he could not possibly discharge to advantage the onerous duties which would await him. Nor is that the only obstacle, your grace. I have not only chosen my man—and such a man as I have described—but I have already offered, and he has already accepted, the commission. ”

“ Sir Harry will, I trust, deserve well in your grace's eyes."
His grace looked at Sir Harry, and found that he did nothing of the kind. From his soul, unprejudiced as he was, Albemarle despised the mincing fop whom he was desired to help to cheat his creditors.
"And the character of this appointment?" he inquired tonelessly.
"A military character would be best suited to Sir Harry's tastes and qualities. He has the advantage of some military experience. He held for a time a commission in the Guards."
"In the Guards!" thought Albemarle. "My God! What a recommendation!" ”