her title of Tiphaine la fee, meaning that she was endowed with
magic power, which enabled her to predict what would be lucky or
unlucky days for her husband. His disregard of them was thought
to have twice cost him the loss of a battle.

We must apologize for having made Henry of Lancaster a year or two
older than is warranted by the date of his birth.






THE LANCES OF LYNWOOD



CHAPTER I



Seldom had the interior of this island presented a more peaceful
and prosperous aspect than in the reign of Edward III., when the
more turbulent spirits among his subjects had found occupation
in his foreign wars, and his wise government had established at
home a degree of plenty, tranquility, and security, such as had
probably never before been experienced in England.

Castle and cottage, church and convent, alike showed the prosperity
and safety of the inhabitants, at once by the profuseness of