"I do not, Arthur; I never believed half they said of him; but oh,
that long delay was a sore trial to my confidence, and cruelly
confirmed their tales."

"And think of Fulk, too, hindering the Prince from inquiring, because
he says he would spare my uncle for my father's sake, when the truth
is, he only fears that the blackness of his own designs should be
seen! And Gaston, too, he slandered. Oh, Agnes! Agnes! that there
should be such wickedness, and we able to do nought!"

"Nought but weep and pray!" said Agnes. "And yet I can bear it
better now that you are here. Your presence refutes the worst
accusation, and removes a heavy weight from my mind."

"You distrust him too! I cannot love you if you do."

"Never, never! I only feared some evil had befallen you, and
grieved to see the use made of your absence. Your coming should
make my heart light again."

"Shall I often see you, Cousin Agnes? for there is none else in this
wide Castle that I shall care for."

"Oh yes, Arthur, there are full twenty pages little older than
yourself--Lord Thomas Holland, the Prince's stepson, brother to
the lady that led you to me; little Piers de Greilly, nephew to
the Captal de Buch; young Lord Henry of Lancaster; and the little
Prince Edward himself. You will have no lack of merry playmates."

"Ah, but to whom can I talk of my blessed mother and of Uncle Eustace,