smile. "Then,
if I lose one son, I must needs lose another. But come," she said
suddenly, "whilst we talk here precious moments, which might be used in
flight, are passing by. Go, my son, and make thee ready with all speed
for thy journey, whilst I go to prepare thy little brother."

She followed Dorset from the room, and we were left with the girls,
alone.

Then it was that Hazel told me of the happenings at court whilst I was
absent therefrom.

The Queen was not long gone. When she returned she was accompanied by
her little son, the Duke of York. He was fully dressed for the road.

"Mother, I do not like to leave thee," said he, as they entered.

"Nay, my darling, no more do I desire thee to go," returned his mother,
tenderly. "But, Richard, my pet," she continued, "thou goest with thy
brother, so thou needst not to be lonely. Besides, thou shalt not be
for long separated from us--I hope," she added.

"But wilt thou follow me shortly, mother dear?"

"I hope to soon be with thee, Richard," replied his mother. Then, as
the boy began to cry, she said:--"come, my little man, thou must show
thyself to be the true son of a King. Be brave, and do as thy mother
doth direct thee; then I shall be proud of my little son."

This had the desired effect upon the proud spirit of his noble father,
that was so easily discernible in this young offshoot of the proud
house to which he belonged.

At this moment Dorset entered, fully equipped and ready for the road.

The Queen took the Marquis, Harleston and me, to the far end of the
room, leaving the little Duke with Hazel and Mary, from whom he seemed
most sad to part.

"Thou hast not yet told me where thou art taking Richard," said her
Majesty, in a low voice, to Dorset.

"Nay, mother, that have I not," replied he; "for the reason that I yet
know not what place of safety can be reached the most easily; and
besides I do think it best that no fixed place should be set. When I
have come unto some shelter, I shall leave my little brother in good
hands, and return again to thee."

"Methinks that thy plan is a good one," said his mother, after a pause;
"but what thinkest thou of it, Sir Frederick?" she asked, as she turned
to her new-found counsellor.

"In my poor opinion," replied Harleston modestly, "it is the only
course left open. However, methinks 'twere best to put the channel
betwixt the little Prince and his uncle, the Protector; for well do I
believe that