the horrible consequences of such an accusation arose before her.

That same day Eustace was summoned to the Prince's presence.

"Sir Eustace Lynwood," said Edward, gravely, "I hear you have served
the King well beneath the banner of Sir John Chandos. Your friends
have wrought with me to give you occasion to prove yourself worthy
of your spurs, and I have determined to confer on you the government
of my Chateau of Norbelle, on the frontier of Gascony, trusting to
find you a true and faithful governor and Castellane."

"I trust, my Lord, that you have never had occasion to deem less
honourably of me," said Eustace; and his clear open eye and brow
courted rather than shunned the keen look of scrutiny that the
Prince fixed upon him. His heart leapt at the hope that the time
for inquiry was come, but the Prince in another moment sank his
eyes again, with more, however, of the weary impatience of illness
than of actual displeasure, and merely replied, "Kneel down, then,
Sir Knight, and take the oaths of fidelity."

Eustace obeyed, hardly able to suppress a sigh at the disappointment
of his hopes.

"You will receive the necessary orders and supplies from Sir John
Chandos, and from the Treasurer," said Edward, in a tone that
intimated the conclusion of the conference; and Eustace quitted
his presence, scarce knowing whether to be rejoiced or dissatisfied.

The former, Gaston certainly was. "I have often been heartily weary
of garrison duty," said he, "but never can I be more weary of aught,