of the
ardor of the affection by which the lovers were still bound to each
other, but she soon interrupted their expressions and demonstrations
of delight by calling Somerset's attention to the steps which were
next to be taken to further their plans.

[Sidenote: Lady Neville's father.]

"The first thing to be done," said she, "is for you to see the Earl of
Salisbury and ask the hand of his daughter, and at the same time
endeavor to induce him to join our party."

[Sidenote: The Earl of Salisbury.]

The Earl of Salisbury had a son, the brother, of course, of Lady
Neville, whose title was the Earl of Warwick. He was the celebrated
king-maker, so called, referred to in a former chapter. He received
that title on account of the great influence which he subsequently
exercised in raising up and putting down one after another of the two
great dynasties. His power was at this time very great, partly on
account of his immense wealth, and partly on account of his commanding
personal character. Margaret was extremely desirous of bringing him
over to her side.

[Sidenote: Progress of the intrigue.]

Somerset readily undertook the duty of communicating with the Earl of
Salisbury, with a view of informing him of his daughter's safety and
asking her hand, and at the same time of ascertaining what hope there
might be of drawing him into the combination which the queen was
forming against the Duke of Gloucester.

[Sidenote: Revelations.]

Somerset accordingly sought an interview with Salisbury, and told him
that the report which had been circulated that his daughter was dead
was not true--that she was still alive--that, instead of having been
drowned in the Thames, as had been supposed, she had made her escape
to France, where she had since lived under the protection of the
dauphiness.

[Sidenote: The case explained.]

He was, of course not willing to make known the real circumstances of
the case in respect to the cause of her flight, and so he represented
to the earl that the reason why she left the country was to escape the
marriage with Gloucester, which would have been extremely disagreeable
to her. She had now, however, returned, and he was commissioned by her
to ask the earl's forgiveness for what had passed, and his consent
that he himself--that is, Somerset, who had always been strongly
attached to her, and who now, by the death of his former wife, was
free, should be united to her in marriage.

[Sidenote: Some