"The Council so fixed it, and very much against the wishes of the
Queen."

"She wanted more, I doubt not," said the Duke meditatively.

"She long held that less than five thousand would not be fitting the
dignity of a King."

Gloucester looked up with a trace of a smile around his eyes.

"Will the Earl of Rivers accompany his nephew?" he asked.

"It was so reported to His Grace of Buckingham; and further, also, that
they would not start from Ludlow until the feast of St. George had
passed."

"Did Stafford advise no plan in case I fell in with his desires?"

"None. The lords will follow whatever course you fix. All that they
urge is haste."

"How long does Buckingham remain at Brecknock?"

"Until he receive word from you--or failing in that, until there be but
time sufficient to reach London for the coronation."

"Was it his purpose that you should carry my answer?"

"Nay, my lord Duke," said De Lacy. "Here ends my mission for
Buckingham. It was but as friend for friend that I bore this message.