, and I shall have to call again on
thee, good cousin, that I may give the honest man which owns this house
a befitting present," and he turned to Buckingham for more gold.

"But now we must have breakfast and then proceed to join the King at
Stony Stratford," said he, as we left the table.

Whilst breakfast was being prepared we went to bathe our eyes, which
felt anything but sound after our all night's carouse. Then Harleston
and I strolled forth into the chill, bracing air of morning.

"I fear we have misjudged the Prince," said I, as we strolled, arm in
arm, about the yard.

"Remember, Bradley," my friend replied, "he may have an object in
acting as he hath done."

"What object could he have in thus making us his equals?" I asked.

"So far I cannot tell," replied my friend, solemnly; "yet when a man of
Gloucester's stamp appears most pleasant he is most dangerous. I may
be doing him a wrong, but I cannot help but fear that there is some
great game about to be played, and Gloucester will play in it a leading
part. I forget not what thou didst overhear the night of the ball.
Remember," he added, "it is not for ourselves I fear; it is for those
far above us."

"Thou mayst be right," said I, "but, for myself, I must confess I do
begin to not so much dislike the man."

"Place not great trust in a Prince's smile," returned Harleston.

By this time the gentlemen in attendance on the Prince and Buckingham
commenced to arrive from their different quarters; so we were compelled
to stop this conversation. We reentered the house and joined the
others at table.

Gloucester still continued his friendly manner and all through
breakfast kept up a string of pleasant speeches.

Buckingham spoke but seldom, but when he did it was ever in the same
strain as the Prince.

At length Gloucester asked in a careless manner:--"Is the King attended
by a sufficient retinue to sustain the dignity of one in such an
exalted position? Had it not been for the strong opposition of that
most turbulent noble--Lord Hastings--his Majesty should have come with
an army, as the Queen, cousin of Buckingham and I wished," he added,
before Rivers had time for making reply.

"As for his Majesty's train," replied the Earl, "it is not great in
numbers; but is composed, almost entirely, of gentlemen of no mean
blood. We had an army almost complete when the news came that there
was strong opposition to this plan."

Methought I noticed a trac