nction, which will
cling to his memory for ever.

Lady Clifford lamented sadly over the fate of poor Rutland, for she
would have given all the wealth she had in the world, rather than her
lord should have been guilty of such a wicked deed; and when she looked
at her dear boy Henry, she wondered that the thought of his own son
should not have softened a father's heart, and prevented him from
destroying an innocent youth, even though he was the son of an enemy.

One day, soon after this news was brought, there came to the castle one
of those wandering minstrels who were in the habit of going about the
country with their harps, and were sure to find a welcome at the
mansions of the great, where, in return for a night's lodging and
entertainment, they would amuse the company with their songs and music.
Lady Clifford never went down to the great hall when her lord was away,
but confined herself to her own private apartments with her female
attendants and her children, but she readily gave permission for the
domestics to admit the minstrel for their own amusement, and right glad
they were of this indulgence, as they had spent but a dull Christmas.

"May we not go down, dear mother, to hear the minstrel play and sing?"
said Henry.

"Yes, you and Richard may go for awhile if you wish it," replied Lady
Margaret; and, sending for the old seneschal or steward of the castle,
she bade him take charge of the boys while they listened to the harper's
songs. There were not many people in the castle now, but all that were
there assembled in the hall to make merry with the new comer, except
Lady Clifford herself, and the little Lady Elizabeth. The minstrel sang
a long ballad all about the warlike achievements of the De Cliffords in
former times, filling up the pauses with the animated strains of his
harp, and when the song was done, and the servants were preparing to
dance, the boys returned to their mother, highly delighted with what
they had heard.

The next morning the seneschal came to his mistress and told her that
the minstrel begged for a private audience, as he had something of
importance to communicate, "And I think, my lady," said the old man, "it
is about our lord that he wishes to speak, for he has just come from
Wakefield."

"Then bring him hither, Hubert," said the lady, "I will hear what he has
to say."

Hubert bowed respectfully and withdrew, but soon returned with the
minstrel, who was instantly recognised by L