darkest treason by one high in rank and station, and
who is, even now, within sound of my voice."

Over the Court ran a shiver of apprehension; and men eyed one another
with misgiving and drew within themselves; while the women, with faces
suddenly gone white and lips a tremble, clutched the hands of those
most dear, as though to shield them from the doom about to fall. For
green in the memory was Hastings, and Rivers, and Buckingham, and St.
Leger, and the stern suddenness of their taking off.

"Perchance, it were more suitable," the King went on, "that matters of
such import be deferred to the quiet of the council chamber and the
Court of the Lord High Steward; and in particular, that there should be
none of the gentler sex in presence. Yet for reasons which to me seem
adequate and proper, I have determined otherwise. He who is charged
with these crimes is now among you; and by you, my lords and my ladies,
shall he be adjudged. Stand forth, Henry, Lord Darby of Roxford."

The gasp that soughed through the room as Richard spoke the name was
far more of relief than of wonder, and instantly all eyes sought the
accused.

And he met them with a shrug of indifference and a smiling face. And
down the aisle that opened to him he went--debonair and easy--until he
stood before the Throne. There he bent knee for an instant; then,
erect and unruffled, he looked the King defiantly in the eye.

"Here stand I to answer," he said. "Let the charges be preferred."

Richard turned to the Black Rod.

"Summon the accusers," he ordered.

As the Usher backed from the room, there arose a hissing of whispers
that changed sharply to exclamations of surprise as in formal tones he
heralded:

"Sir John de Bury! Sir Aymer de Lacy!"

The elder Knight leaned on the other's arm as they advanced; but
dropped it at the Throne and both made deep obeisance. An impatient
glance from the King brought instant quiet.

"Sir John de Bury and Sir Aymer de Lacy," he, said, "you have made
certain grave accusations touching Henry, Lord Darby of Roxford. He
stands here now to answer. Speak, therefore, in turn."

De Bury stepped forward and faced Darby, who met him with folded arms
and scornful front.

"I charge Henry, Lord Darby," he said, "with having abducted and held
prisoner, in his castle of Roxford and elsewhere, my niece, the Lady
Beatrix de Beaumont, Countess of Clare."

A cry of amazement burst from the Court, but Richard silenc