"If disappointed love and blasted hopes can be so reckoned," said
Richard with a shrug, "then does many a fair lord suffer from the
disease. See that you do not become affected also."

"Nay, my lord Duke," replied De Lacy; "I know better than to allow a
poor Knight's mind to dwell upon the charms of a great heiress--and she
the Countess of Clare."

"Pardieu!" said Gloucester; "be not so humble. Your birth is equal to
her own; it was only for your peace of mind I cautioned you."




III

THE VOICE ON THE RAMPARTS

On quitting the Duke, De Lacy dispatched a page for his squire and was
then conducted to his quarters on the floor above.

Tossing his gauntlets and bascinet upon the high bed that stood in the
corner near the door, he crossed to the small deep window and swung
back the sash. Below him lay the broad bailey, that at this hour was
alive with the servitors and retainers of the Duke. Before the
dwellings against the inner wall children were playing, and through the
fading light of the April afternoon rose a medley of sounds. From the
direction of the distant gateway sounded the ring of steel-shod hoofs,
and presently a body of horsemen cantered across the stone pavement and
drew rein before the keep. A gruff command followed, and just as the