ted the conversation as accurately as his memory held it
and without comment.

The King listened with half-closed eyes, an inscrutable smile upon his
lips.

"It may happen, De Lacy," he said, "that there will come a time when
you must choose between Henry Stafford and Richard Plantagenet."

"Not so, Sire," Aymer replied. "As against Your Majesty there can
never be a choice for me."

Richard looked him straight in the eyes. "I believe it," he said. "I
would there were more De Lacys."

Aymer bowed low. "Your Majesty is very gracious; and it encourages me
to prefer a request."

"Say on, sir," the King said kindly.

"I would ask a few weeks' leave from Court."

"Wherefore?"

"To accompany Sir John de Bury to Craigston; and to stop at my own
castle of Gaillard on my return."

Richard laughed lightly. "It is granted, and may success attend you,"
he said. "And by St. Paul! if you win the Countess you shall wed her,
else I am not King of England."

De Lacy blushed like a girl, and the King laughed more heartily.

"Methinks Sir John is friendly to you," he added, "and in that you are
very fortunate. But you have rivals in plenty, so watch them
carefully. Remember, I do not make the match, but should you two wish
it, none shall make it otherwise."

"Perchance some day I may remind Your Majesty of those words," said De
Lacy.

"And shall find me ready to fulfill them, though I bring an army at my
back. . . If need be, you are now excused from attendance until you
return, but report to me to-morrow night; I may have some service for
you on the journey. . . Announce me."

Swinging back the door, Aymer lifted the arras.

"The King!" he heralded.

Instantly quiet reigned and every one sprang to his feet and uncovered.

"Be seated, gentlemen," said the King. . . "Ah! Norfolk, a word with
you," he said, and led the way to a large window in a far corner of the
apartment.

"Well, Howard," said he, "the break with Stafford nears--though it
comes quicker than I had thought. Were you here when he left me?"

"In sooth, yes, and he was wildly angry. He overtook the younger
Stanley at yonder door and his words were high enough to carry back,
though not distinguishable."

"I know their import. De Lacy met him in the courtyard, and was
appealed to to tell who made Gloucester King."

"The man is a fool or crazy," the Duke exclaimed; "and thrice so to
make a Stanley his confidant. Methought he would have