never
trust him. He knows the truckler of old--the first to greet Warwick
when he came to lead Henry from the Tower; the loudest for Edward when
Barnet's day was done."

"Well, mark me," said De Lacy, with lowered voice, "yonder false lord
will be a troublesome counsellor, even if he be not a faithless baron.
I would have none of him."

"_Bon jour, mes amis_!" Hastings called out in hearty greeting. "Has
the Protector arrived?"

"No, my lord," returned De Wilton, as he and De Lacy arose; "he was
engaged, and may be a trifle late for the council."

"Who has preceded us?" said Stanley; and in contrast to the melodious
voice of the Lord Chamberlain his tones were like melting ice.

"Only the Lord Chancellor and the Bishop of Ely."

"Then, Hastings, we shall have time to discuss further the matter I
touched on a moment since," said Stanley, making as though to go on.

"As you will," Hastings answered indifferently, and without moving,
"but believe me, my lord, it will boot little what may be the record.
Eleanor and Katharine Neville were sisters, true enough, but Eleanor is
dead and you have wed a second time; while Katharine still chatelaines
my castles of Ashby and Calais. The matter has been left to her sweet
judgment, and her wish is my decision. It is quite needless to debate
the subject further."

Aymer caught the quick look of resentment that flashed through
Stanley's eyes, but Hastings missed it, for he had turned and was
gazing toward the royal lodge.

And Stanley, with that cool indifference to aught but expediency which
characterized his whole life, let the curt speech pass, seemingly
unheeded.

In a moment the Lord Chamberlain said courteously, as though regretful
for his recent abruptness:

"Well, my lord, shall we proceed? It will be well for the Council to
be assembled when Richard comes."

"In truth, yes," said Stanley suavely; and bowing stiffly to the two
young Knights, the traitor of Bosworth linked arms with Hastings and
went on toward the White Tower.

"Did you mark that?" De Wilton queried; "and evidently it was a matter
of some moment since Hastings has submitted it to his wife."

"There are more than royal prerogatives at issue these days," replied
De Lacy, "and private grievance may work deep into the greater game."

"It will be the only way by which the Stanley can be led to bear a
part," said De Wilton sententiously. "He savors more of the shops in
the Cheap yonder than o