s will be done! Lady,' he added, 'you
wot of that which once passed between us. I was grieved at first that
you chose a different protector in your need.'

'You _could_ not, my lord,' faltered Esclairmonde, crimson as she never
had been when speaking to Malcolm.

'No, I _could_ not,' said Bedford; 'and, lady, my purpose was to thank
you for the generous soul that perceived that so it is. You spared me
from a cruel case. I have no self any longer, Esclairmonde; all I am,
all I have, all I can, must be spent in guarding Harry's work for his
boy. To all else I am henceforth dead; and all I can do is to be
thankful, lady, that you have spared me the sorest trial of all, both to
heart and honour.'

Esclairmonde's eyes were downcast, as she said, 'Heaven is the protector
of those of true and kind purpose;' and then gathering courage, as being
perfectly aware to whom Bedford must give his hand if he would conciliate
Burgundy, she added, 'And, verily, Sir, the way of policy is this time a
happy one. Let me but tell you how I have known and loved gentle Lady
Anne.'

Bedford shook his head with a half smile and a heavy sigh. 'Time fails
me, dear lady,' he said; 'and I cannot brook any maiden's praise, even
from you. I only wait to ask whether there be any way yet left wherein I
can serve you. I will strive to deal with your kinsmen to restore your
lands.'

'Hold!' said Esclairmonde. 'Never for lands of mine will I have your
difficulties added to. No--let them go! It was a vain, proud dream when
I thought myself most humble, to become a foundress; and if I know my
kinsmen, they will be too much angered to bestow on me the dower required
by a convent. No, Sir; all I would dare to inquire would be, whether you
have any voice in choosing the bedeswomen of St. Katharine's Hospital?'

'The bedeswomen! They come chiefly from the citizens, not from princely
houses like yours!' said John, in consternation.

'I have done with princely houses,' said Esclairmonde. 'A Flemish maiden
would be of no small service among the many whom trade brings to your
port from the Netherlands, and my longing has ever been to serve my Lord
through His poor and afflicted.'

'It is my father's widow who holds the appointments,' said John. 'Between
her and me there hath been little good-will, but my dear brother's last
act towards her was of forgiveness. She may wish to keep well with us of
the Regency--and more like still, she will be