my father died;" and, observing the Duke glance at his spurs, he added:
"It was from France's Constable that I received the accolade."

"Then right well did you deserve it; St. Pol gave no unearned honors."

"I was favored much beyond my deserts," De Lacy replied, although his
face flushed at a compliment from the renowned Gloucester.

"Your modesty but proves your merit," returned the Duke. . . "And now
your message. From whom come you?"

"From the Duke of Buckingham, my lord," said De Lacy; and the keen look
that accompanied the words did not escape the Prince. But De Lacy did
not know the man before whom he stood, else would he have wasted no
energy in any such attempt. As well try to read the visage of a
granite cliff as to discover the thoughts of Richard Plantagenet from
the expression of his face. And if the royal Duke were in aught
concerned as to the communication of the powerful Buckingham, there was
no evidence of it in his voice or in the eminently courteous and
appropriate question as he instantly responded:

"How did you leave His Grace and where?"

"He was most hearty when we parted at Gloucester; he for his castle of
Brecknock and I for Pontefract."

"He had been in London?"

"Yes, my lord, since before King Edward's demise."