Richard looked him straight in the eyes.  “I believe it,” he said.  “I would there were more De Lacys.”

Aymer bowed low.  “Your Majesty is very gracious; and it encourages me to prefer a request.”

“Say on, sir,” the King said kindly.

“I would ask a few weeks’ leave from Court.”

“Wherefore?”

“To accompany Sir John de Bury to Craigston; and to stop at my own castle of Gaillard on my return.”

Richard laughed lightly.  “It is granted, and may success attend you,” he said.  “And by St. Paul! if you win the Countess you shall wed her, else I am not King of England.”

De Lacy blushed like a girl, and the King laughed more heartily.

“Methinks Sir John is friendly to you,” he added, “and in that you are very fortunate.  But you have rivals in plenty, so watch them carefully.  Remember, I do not make the match, but should you two wish it, none shall make it otherwise.”

“Perchance some day I may remind Your Majesty of those words,” said De Lacy.

“And shall find me ready to fulfill them, though I bring an army at my back. . .  If need be, you are now excused from attendance until you return, but report to me to-morrow night; I may have some service for you on the journey. . .  Announce me.”

Swinging back the door, Aymer lifted the arras.

“The King!” he heralded.

Instantly quiet reigned and every one sprang to his feet and uncovered.

“Be seated, gentlemen,” said the King. . .  “Ah!  Norfolk, a word with you,” he said, and led the way to a large window in a far corner of the apartment.

“Well, Howard,” said he, “the break with Stafford nears—­though it comes quicker than I had thought.  Were you here when he left me?”

“In sooth, yes, and he was wildly angry.  He overtook the younger Stanley at yonder door and his words were high enough to carry back, though not distinguishable.”

“I know their import.  De Lacy met him in the courtyard, and was appealed to to tell who made Gloucester King.”

“The man is a fool or crazy,” the Duke exclaimed; “and thrice so to make a Stanley his confidant.  Methought he would have got a little wisdom lately by association with Your Majesty.”

“Nay, Stafford has no statecraft in him and can learn none.”

“Yet it would seem he deems himself a second Kingmaker,” the Earl Marshal remarked sententiously.

“Let him beware then lest he meet a Warwick’s death—­or one less noble.”

“But, Sire, do you trust entirely this De Lacy if Buckingham grow discontent?  Was he not first vouched for by him?”

“Did you ever hear of a De Lacy untrue to England’s King?”

“By the Rood, no! they were ever stanch for him who wore the crown—­even as Howard has been.”

“And I trust De Lacy as I trust Howard,” with the winning smile he could use so well when he wished.