"Congratulate me, my friends," she said. "The Star of Lancaster
has risen again. Warwick has placed all his power and influence at
our disposal. We have both forgiven all the past: I the countless
injuries he has inflicted on my House, he the execution of his
father and so many of his friends. We have both laid aside all
our grievances, and we stand united by our hate for Edward. There
is but one condition, and this I accepted gladly -- namely, that
my son should marry his daughter Anne. This will be another bond
between us; and by all reports Anne is a charming young lady.
Edward has gladly agreed to the match; he could make no alliance,
even with the proudest princess in Europe, which would so aid him,
and so strengthen his throne."

"God grant that your hopes may be fulfilled, madam," the knight
said earnestly, "and that peace may be given to our distracted
country! The Usurper has rendered himself unpopular by his extravagance
and by the exactions of his tax collectors, and I believe that
England will gladly welcome the return of its lawful king to power.
When does Warwick propose to begin?"

"He will at once get a fleet together. Louis, who has privately
brought about this meeting, will of course throw no impediment in
his way; but, on the other hand, the Duke of Burgundy will do all
in his power to thwart the enterprise, and will, as soon as he
learns of it, warn Edward. I feel new life in me, Eleanor. After
fretting powerless for years, I seem to be a different woman now
that there is a prospect of action. I am rejoiced at the thought
that at last I shall be able to reward those who have ventured and
suffered so much in the cause of Lancaster."