en. It was no marvel, for
she had been all but a queen. For twelve years of her life, her velvet
robes had swept over palace pavements, and her diamonds had glittered in
the light of royal saloons; and for seven of those years she had herself
occupied the highest place. An invitation from her had been an envied
honour; a few minutes' conversation with her, a supreme distinction.
For this was Honor Plantagenet, Viscountess Lisle, sometime Lady
Governess of Calais. But that was all over now. She was "a widow
indeed, and desolate." The House of Lisle had fallen seven years
before; and Honour's high estate, as well as her private happiness, fell
with it. And with her, as with so many others, it ended in the old
fashion--

"`Where be thy frendes?' sayd Robin.
`Syr, never one wyll me know;
Whyle I was ryche enow at home
Grete boste then wolde they blowe;
And now they renne awaye fro me,
As bestes on a rowe;
They take no more heed of me,
Than they me never sawe.'"

[Note 6].

Of the scores of distinguished persons who had enjoyed the princely
hospitality of Lady Lisle at Calais, not one ever condescended to glance
into the little house at Crowe. She had friends left, but they were not
distinguished persons. And foremost among these was Isoult Avery, who
for two years had been bower-woman to the Viscountess, in those old days
when she sat in the purple as Governess of Calais.

Many minutes had not elapsed before Philippa and Dr Thorpe entered the
parlour together.

"Well, what cheer?" asked Lady Lisle, quickly, even before her greeting:
for the grandchild who lay ill in the chamber above was very dear to
that lonely woman's heart.

"Madam, the child is dying."

"Alack, my poor lamb!" And Lady Lisle rose and went above to the little
sufferer.

Dr Thorpe turned to Isoult. "What aileth the mother?" he asked her
shortly.

"Frances?" she replied. "In good sooth, I wis not. I have not yet seen
her. Doth aught ail her save sorrow?"

"The Lady Frances," he repeated. "Methinks somewhat else doth ail her.
What it is essay you to discover."

He broke off rather abruptly as the door opened, and the lady under
discussion entered the room. Taller than Lady Lisle or Philippa, she
was more slender and fragile-looking than either. Hair of pale shining
gold framed a face very white and fair, of that peculiar pure oval
shape, and those serene, regular Grecian features, which marked the
royal