answered in a choked voice, "My father's name needs no redemption!"

Simultaneously a pleading interjection from the Princess, and a
warning growl from De Gourdon, admonished Richard that he was on
perilous ground; but the Prince responded in a tone of deep feeling,
"Well said, Richard: the term does not befit that worthy name. I
should have said that I would fain help thee to maintain its honour.
My page once, wilt thou be so again? and one day my knight--my trusty
baron?"

"How can I?" said Richard, still in the same undertone, subdued but
determined: "it was you who slew him and my brothers!"

"Nay, nay!" exclaimed the Princess: "the poor boy thinks all his
kindred are slain!"

"And they are not!" cried Richard, raising his face with sudden
animation. "They are safe?"

"Thy brother Henry died with--with the Earl," said Eleanor; "but all
the rest are safe, and in France."

"And my mother and sister?" asked Richard.

"They are likewise abroad," said the Prince. "And, Richard, thou art
free to join them if thou wilt. But listen first to me. We tarry
yet two days at this forest lodge: remain with us for that space--
thy name and rank unknown if thou wilt--and if thou shalt still look
on me as guilty of thy father's death, and not as a loving kinsman,
who honoured him deeply, I will send thee safely to the coast, with