nephew Arthur, and Lady Agnes de Clarenham; but he never saw them,
and often his heart sank at the thought of the impression that the
universal belief might make on the minds of both. And to add to
his depression, a rumour prevailed throughout Bordeaux that the
Baron of Clarenham had promised his sister's hand to Sir Leonard
Ashton.

Nearly a year had passed since Eustace had left England, and his
situation continued unchanged. Perhaps the Prince regarded him
with additional displeasure, since news had arrived that Sir
Richard Ferrars had made application to the Duke of Lancaster to
interest the King in the cause of the guardianship; for there was,
at this time, a strong jealousy, in the mind of the Prince, of the
mighty power and influence of John of Gaunt, which he already feared
might be used to the disadvantage of his young sons.

The cause was, at length, decided, and a letter from good Father
Cyril conveyed to Eustace the intelligence that the Chancellor,
William of Wykeham, Bishop of Winchester, having given due weight
to Sir Reginald's dying words and Lady Lynwood's testament, had
pronounced Sir Eustace Lynwood the sole guardian of the person and
estate of his nephew, and authorized all the arrangements he had
made on his departure.

Affairs altogether began to wear a brighter aspect. The first
indignation against Sir Eustace had subsided, and he was treated,
in general, with indifference rather than marked scorn. The
gallant old Chandos was again on better terms with the Prince,
and, coming to Bordeaux, made two or three expeditions, in which
Eustace volunteered to join, and gained some favourable, though