"But surely, such a tale is too absurd and vulgar to deceive our
noble Prince."

"Oh, there is another version for his ears. This is only for the
lower sort, who might not have thought the worse of you for
kidnapping your nephew, vowing his mother should remain unburied
till he was in your hands, and carrying off all his rents."

"That is Clarenham's slander."

"Yes."

"And credited by the Prince? Oh! little did I think the hand which
laid knighthood on my shoulder should repent the boon that it gave!"
exclaimed Eustace, with a burst of sorrow rather than anger.

"Do you not challenge the traitor at once?"

"I trow not, unless he speaks the charge to my face. Father Cyril
declared that any outbreak on my part would damage our cause in the
eyes of the Chancellor; we must bide our time. Since Arthur is
safe, I will bear my own burden. I am guiltless in this matter,
and I trust that the blessing of Heaven on my deeds shall restore
a name, obscured, but not tarnished."

The resolution to forbear was tested, for time passed on without
vindicating him. With such art had the toils of his enemies been
spread, that no opening was left him for demanding an explanation.
The calumnies could only be brought home to the lowest retainers of
Clarenham and Ashton, and the only result of the zealous refutation