then no cause for these horrible affairs."

I attempted to argue the point with her; but found it of no avail. Had
I been the age I now am I might have saved my breath.

"However," she said, after I had given up the task of trying to
convince her that I was right, "I am glad that thou didst wound him."

"Why?" I asked.

"Well," she said, slowly, and at the same time watching me closely,
"that night of the ball--" and she stopped there long enough for a very
pretty blush to cover her face, as a veil, "the impudent fellow had the
temerity to try and make love to me."

"What?" I cried, as I grasped my scabbard, and started my wound to pain
afresh. "I'll kill the knave the first time I see his sneering face!"

"No, no, Walter, do nothing of the kind. That was the reason I did not
tell thee ere this; I knew it would set thee mad. Oh, dear! thou hast
such an evil temper. He is now punished enough; so promise me that
thou wilt do nothing to bring about another duel;" and she laid her
hand on mine arm, and coaxed me so nicely that I had to make the
promise; though later I did regret it.

Since the night of the ball the King's health had been getting worse
with every day that passed. His Majesty, seeing that he had not long
to live, now called a meeting of the different factions who were ever
jangling with each other, for the purpose of reconciling them; for he
feared, that when he should be dead, their quarrels might lead to great
strife in the kingdom, and endanger the rule of his son.

These parties, as ye must all know, were, first--the Queen and her
favorites, secondly--Buckingham and the most powerful of the ancient
nobility--to which party belonged my Lord Hastings--and
thirdly,--Gloucester himself, for the reason that he did not wish to be
connected with--and so be dependent on--either of the other parties.

When all these were come unto his bedside, the King addressed them
thus:--"You all must know that I am about to leave this fair kingdom,
where I have had such strife and yet such happiness, to join that other
land to which spirits alone can go. Before I leave it is my pleasure
to have ye all at peace with one another. In case this strife should
continue, it will surely lead to great troubles for poor England, which
we all do love so dearly. Therefore, my faithful subjects and friends,
bethink ye of your duty. Here in this room, before ye leave my
presence, I wish to see ye all embrace each other a