dam, but
methinks 'tis worthy of consideration."

"But how could he claim the throne, having no right thereto?"

"Richard hath taken it."

"Ay, true, true, true!" wailed the poor Queen, as she walked about the
room, wringing her hands.

"Dost thou not think, madam," continued Harleston, "that it would be
better if thou wert to try and win over Buckingham to thy cause?"

"He is the friend of Richard."

"Ay, madam; but he is also ambitious. Two such men as he and the
Usurper cannot for long agree. Richard must fear that some day
Buckingham's prestige with the people will be too great. No doubt some
jealousy doth exist already. Have Lord Stanley, in thy behalf, offer
to the Duke some noble inducement to bring him to thy side. The
people, indignant at the murder of thy son, could soon be tempted to
revolt and make up a strong force; drive forth the Usurper from the
throne and place the crown upon the rightful head."

"But how shall I prevent the Earl of Richmond from coming to mine aid,
now that I have once invited him?"

"Prevent him not, madam. He shall be of the greatest possible
assistance. He and your brother-in-law, the Duke of Buckingham, united
should face the boar; and then, when victory doth rest upon their arms,
the Duke can hold the Earl in check."

"A happy thought; I'll act upon it straight away. Ah! Sir Frederick,
what should I do without thine ever sage advice? Pray God the time
will soon come when I can reward my friends, with more than thanks.
When my son cometh to his own thou, Sir Frederick, shalt be his
Counsellor."

This promise was doomed to never be fulfilled.

[1] Harleston's knowledge of scripture was evidently not great. K.M.

CHAPTER XX

BEFORE THE TOURNAMENT

Angry were the people with Richard for his savage murder of the young
and rightful King. Discontent and a proper desire to punish the
criminal for his act were discernible in the sullen manner in which the
Usurper was received where'er he went among them. Scowls, and not
resounding cheers, greeted him as he passed through the streets of
London, as was his almost daily habit.

Richard was not slow to comprehend the cause, and see what should be
the outcome, of this unpopularity, were it permitted to take a firmer
root in the minds of the people.

Some people, I know, contend that the best plan for killing discontent
and opposition is to notice them not and they, in time, will realize
their insigni