in Queen Catherine's hands--above
all, while she was with her mother and her party, who were quite capable
of affixing it to forgeries.

Bedford, James, and Fitzhugh were all required at Vincennes; the two
latter at the lying-in-state in the chapel. Most of the other trusty
nobles had repaired to the army; and, indeed, Bedford, aware of the
terrible jealousies that were sure to break out in the headless realm,
did not choose to place a charge that might hereafter prove invidious in
the hands of any Englishman, or to extend the secret any further than
could be helped; since who could tell what suspicion might not be thus
cast on any paper sealed by Henry?

In his perplexity, James had suggested young Malcolm, who had assisted in
the search for the lost ring, and been witness to its discovery; and whom
he could easily send as bearer of his condolences to the widowed Queen;
who had indeed the _entree_ of the palace, but had no political standing,
was neither French nor English, and had shown himself discreet enough
with other secrets to deserve confidence.

Bedford caught at the proposal. And Malcolm now received orders to take
horse, with a sufficient escort, and hasten at once to Paris, where he
should try if possible to obtain the ring from the Queen herself; but if
he could not speak to her in private, he might apply to Sir Lewis
Robsart. No other person was to be informed of the real object of the
mission, and he was to get back to Vincennes as soon as possible.

Neither prince could understand the scared, distressed looks with which
Malcolm listened to commands showing so much confidence in a youth of his
years. They encouraged him by assurances that Sir Lewis Robsart, who had
a curious kind of authority, half fatherly, half nurselike, over the
Queen, would manage all for him. And King James, provoked by his
reluctance, began, as they left Bedford's chamber, to chide him for
ungraciousness in the time of distress, and insensibility to the honour
conferred on him.

'Nay, nay,' disclaimed Malcolm, almost ready to weep, 'but I have a whole
world of penance!'

'Penance! Plague on the boy's perverseness! What penance is so good as
obedience?' said James, much displeased.

'Sir, Sir,' panted Malcolm, ''tis not only that. Could any one but be
sent in my stead? My returning alone is what Madame of Hainault
bade--for--for some scheme on--'

His voice was choked, and his face was burning.

'Is the lad gone