o many years ago.

Hazel had not heard my remark to Catesby, nor--by some happy
chance--his insolent retort, which latter had, to mine ears, sounded
loud enough for the whole great room to hear. But that must have been
on account of the sting it carried for me. Be that as it may, she had
not heard; and for this I was thankful; for had she, it should have
worried her, and the evening had then been spoiled for both of us; and
I would not have had that happen for a kingdom.

When we had finished our set I asked Hazel if I might have the next.

"No, Walter," she replied; "I have already promised it to Sir William
Catesby; although I do not think much of lawyers," she added.

Of course this made me to boil again; but I did not say so, to Hazel,
for fear she might be frightened. All I said was:--"I detest that
fellow, and do not like to see thee dance with him."

"Well, 'tis much more disagreeable to me," she answered; "and thou
mayst be assured that I will not dance with him again to-night."

"Nor any other night," thought I, "if I may but get my sword betwixt
his ribs."

When the next set did start, as I had no desire for dancing with any
other woman, after having danced with that dainty flower, I strolled
into one of the adjoining rooms, and sat myself down in a comfortable
seat, behind the open door; so that I might not be disturbed in my
meditations, which made my heart to beat the faster the further I let
them run. For the one thought in my mind was how and when I had better
declare myself unto the dear maid which I so madly loved, and get her
promise to some day make me the happiest man on earth, by meeting with
me at that trysting place, where the most high ambitions of love are
realized, namely, the altar of Holy Church. Just as I had fully made
up my mind to have Hazel give me a definite answer the first time I
should catch her alone (and now I felt certain what that answer would
be) Gloucester and Buckingham walked into the room; the former leaning
upon the arm of the latter, as was his wont, when the two were
together. I saw them through the opening where the door hangs to the
wall; but they evidently thought that they were the sole occupants of
the room; for, the moment they entered, I heard the Prince say in a low
tone:--"As we are alone here I may say that which thine ears alone
should hear." Then, before I could make a move, and make known my
presence (for Heaven truly knows I have never had any