scarcely remembers the days when brother fought against brother, and
the son's sword rose against the father's breast. But I, recalling
them, tremble to hear the faintest murmur that threatens a civil war."
She paused, and forcing a smile to her lips, added, "Our woman fears
must not, however, sadden our lords with an unwelcome countenance; for
men returning to their hearths have a right to a wife's smile; and so,
Isabel, thou and I, wives both, must forget the morrow in to-day.
Hark! the trumpets sound near and nearer! let us to the hall."

Before, however, they had reached the castle, a shrill blast rang at
the outer gate. The portcullis was raised; the young Duke of
Clarence, with a bridegroom's impatience, spurred alone through the
gloomy arch, and Isabel, catching sight of his countenance lifted
towards the ramparts, uttered a cry, and waved her hand. Clarence
beard and saw, leaped from his steed, and had clasped Isabel to his
breast, almost before Anne or the countess had recognized the new
comer.

Isabel, however, always stately, recovered in an instant from the joy
she felt at her lord's return, and gently escaping his embrace, she
glanced with a blush towards the battlements crowded with retainers;
Clarence caught and interpreted the look.

"Well, belle mere," he said, turning to the countess, "and if yon
faithful followers do witness with what glee a fair bride inspires a
returning bridegroom, is there cause for shame in this cheek of
damascene?"

"Is the king still with my father?" asked Isabel, hastily, and
interrupting the countess's reply.