l--the flower of English beauty--the
Lady Isabel--that I--"

"Your Highness will pardon me," interrupted Montagu; "but I do trust to
your esteem for our poor and insulted House of Nevile so far as to be
assured that the name of my niece Isabel will not be submitted to the
ribald comments of a base-born Burgundian."

"Then I will break no lance in the lists!"

"As it likes you, prince," replied Montagu, shortly; and, with a low
bow, he quitted the chamber, and was striding to the outer gate of the
Tower, when a sweet, clear voice behind him called him by his name.
He turned abruptly, to meet the dark eye and all-subduing smile of the
boy-Duke of Gloucester.

"A word with you, Montagu, noblest and most prized, with your princely
brothers, of the champions of our House,--I read your generous
indignation with our poor Clarence. Ay, sir! ay!--it was a weakness in
him that moved even me. But you have not now to learn that his nature,
how excellent soever, is somewhat unsteady. His judgment alone lacks
weight and substance,--ever persuaded against his better reason by
those who approach his infirmer side; but if it be true that our cousin
Warwick intends for him the hand of the peerless Isabel, wiser heads
will guide his course."

"My brother," said Montagu, greatly softened, "is much beholden to your
Highness for a steady countenance and friendship, for which I also,
believe me--and the families of Beauchamp, Montagu, and Nevile--are duly
grateful. But to speak plainly (which your Grace's youthful candour,
so all-acknowledged, will permit), the kinsmen of the queen do now so
aspire to rule this land, to marry or forbid to marry, not only our own
children, but your illustrious father's, that I foresee in this visit of
the bastard Anthony the most signal disgrace to Warwick that ever king
passed upon ambassador or gentleman. And this moves me more!--yea, I vow
to Saint George, my patron, it moves me more--by the thought of
danger to your royal House than by the grief of slight to mine; for
Warwick--but you know him."

"Montagu, you must soothe and calm your brother if chafed. I impose that
task on your love for us. Alack, would that Edward listened more to me
and less to the queen's kith! These Woodvilles!--and yet they may live
to move not wrath but pity. If aught snapped the thread of Edward's life
(Holy Paul forbid!), what would chance to Elizabeth, her brothers, her
children?"

"Her children would mount the throne