hn; "but perhaps that is scarce a fair
query; and I will to the rest of my business, though it is scarce
needed--only I would have the Prince see the full extent of the
falsehoods with which he has been gulled." And he then proceeded to
inquire into the circumstances of Lady Eleanor's funeral, the brawling,
the violent abstraction of Arthur, and of a considerable portion of his
property, and the long delay, which had given his enemies so much
opportunity to blacken his character. Eustace explained all fully to
the satisfaction of Chandos, and appealed to numerous witnesses.

"That is well," said the old Knight. "We shall have it all clear as
daylight;--and the only wonder is, that the Prince could be so long
deceived by such monstrous falsehoods. Let me see--your right to the
wardship is established?"

"Yes; it hath been so decided by the Bishop of Winchester."

"And let me tell you, Sir Eustace, you did yourself little good by
getting the interest of the Duke of Lancaster. Methought it still
further prejudiced the Prince."

"It was justice that I sought, not favour," said Eustace.

"The knightly view," said Sir John; "and it was more the work of your
friends than yourself; but I never loved that young John of Lancaster,
and still less since he hath seemed willing to make a party for
himself. I trow he hath given the Prince a distrust of all uncles.
Ha! little varlet!" added he, as he met Arthur's eyes--"if you can keep
one secret, keep another, or, still better, forget what I have said.
Understandest thou?"

"I will answer for him," said Eustace.

"And now," said Chandos, "I must be on my way back; for that expedition
to Bescancon must be looked to. But what is to be done with the boy?"

"Oh, I remain here," cried Arthur, eagerly. "The Prince consented. Oh,
I pray of you let me stay here."

"In this dismal old Castle, Arthur," said Eustace, "apart from all your
playmates? It will not be like home, remember; for scarce ever will
you be able to go beyond the walls--and with me lying here, and Gaston
always occupied, you will find it weary work."

"Not with you, Uncle Eustace! I shall sit by you, and tend you, and
read to you. It is so long since I have been with you! Oh, send me
not away! I care for no playmate--for nothing in the wide world, as
for you!"

"Well, let him e'en stay," said Sir John; "it will be a better training
for him than among the gilded little varlets who are cockered up amon