"I have sought you," said Montagu, with more than usual care upon his
brow--"I have sought you in consequence of an event that may lead to
issues of no small moment, whether for good or evil. Clarence has
suddenly left England for Calais."

"I know it, Montagu; the duke confided to me his resolution to
proclaim himself old enough to marry,--and discreet enough to choose
for himself."

"And you approved?"

"Certes; and, sooth to say, I brought him to that modest opinion of
his own capacities. What is more still, I propose to join him at
Calais."

"George!"

"Look not so scared, O valiant captain, who never lost a battle,--
where the Church meddles, all prospers. Listen!" And the young
prelate gathered himself up from his listless posture, and spoke with
earnest unction. "Thou knowest that I do not much busy myself in lay
schemes; when I do, the object must be great. Now, Montagu, I have of
late narrowly and keenly watched that spidery web which ye call a
court, and I see that the spider will devour the wasp, unless the wasp
boldly break the web,--for woman-craft I call the spider, and soldier-
pride I style the wasp. To speak plainly, these Woodvilles must be
bravely breasted and determinately abashed. I do not mean that we can
deal with the king's wife and her family as with any other foes; but
we must convince them that they cannot cope with us, and that their
interests will best consist in acquiescing in that condition of things