nswer that seemed specially to enrage her persecutors, who
retorted by telling her that such protection was only extended to those
who obeyed lawful authority; and hints were thrown out that, if she did
not submit willingly, she might find herself married forcibly, for a
bishop could afford to disregard the resistance of a bride.

Would Malcolm--would his king--consent to her being thus treated?

As to Malcolm, he seemed to her too munch changed for her to reckon on
what remnant of good feeling there might be to appeal to in him. And
James, though he was certain not to permit palpable coercion in his
presence, or even if he were aware that it was contemplated, seemed to
have left the whole management of the affair to Esclairmonde's own
guardians; and they would probably avoid driving matters to extremities
that would revolt him, while he was near enough for an appeal. And
Esclairmonde was too uncertain whether her guardians would resort to such
lengths, or whether it were not a vain threat of the giddy Countess, to
compromise her dignity by crying out before she was hurt; and she had no
security, save that she was certain that in the English household of King
Henry such violence would not be attempted; and out of reach of that
protection she never ventured.

Once she said to Henry, 'My only hope is in God and in you, my lord.'

And Henry bent his head, saying, 'Noble lady, I cannot interfere; but
while you are in my house, nothing can be done with you against your
will.'

Yet even Henry was scarcely what he had been in all-pervading vigilance
and readiness. Like all real kings of men, he had been his own prime
minister, commander-in-chief, and private secretary, transacting a
marvellous amount of business with prompt completeness; and when, in the
midst of shattered health which he would not avow, the cares of two
kingdoms, and the generalship of an army, with all its garrisons, rested
on him, his work would hardly have been accomplished but for his
brother's aid. It was never acknowledged, often angrily disdained. But
when John of Bedford had watched the terrible lassitude and lethargy that
weighed on the King at times in the midst of his cabinet work, he was
constantly on the watch to relieve him; and his hand and style so closely
resembled Henry's that the difference could scarce be detected, and he
could do what none other durst attempt. Many a time would Henry, whose
temper had grown most uncertain, fierc