"Yes, come hither," said Edward, "my jailer at Hereford--the rebel
who drew his maiden sword against his King and uncle--the outlaw who
would try whether Leicester fits as well as Huntingdon with a bandit
life! What hast thou to say for thyself, Richard de Montfort?"

"That my fate, be it what it may, must not stand in the way of Adam's
pardon!" said Richard, standing still, without response to the
Princess's invitation. "My Lord, you have spoken much of his noble
devotion to me for my father's sake; but you know not the half of
what he has done and dared for me. Oh! plead for him, Lady!"

"Plead for him!" said Eleanor: "that will I do with all my heart;
and well do I know that the good old King will weep with gratitude to
him for having preserved the life of his young nephew. Yes, Richard,
oft have we grieved for thee, my husband's kind young companion in
his captivity, and mourned that no tidings could be gained of thee!"

It was not Richard who replied to this winning address. He stood
flushed, irresolute, with eyes resolutely cast down, as if to avoid
seeing the Princess's sweet face.

Adam, however, spoke: "Then, Lady, I am indeed beholden to you;
provided that the boy is safe."

"He is safe," said Prince Edward. "His age is protection
sufficient.--My young cousin, thou art no outlaw: thine uncle will
welcome thee gladly; and a career is open to thee where thou mayst
redeem the honour of thy name."

The colour came with deeper crimson to the boy's cheek, as he