e news in thy packet?
Out with them, and then answer for yourself why you went not forward to
assist the Bishop."

"My lord, the farther tidings are heavy for me to tell, and will be
afflicting to you to hear.--No aid of mine, or of living chivalry, could
have availed the excellent Prelate. William de la Marck, united with the
insurgent Liegeois, has taken his Castle of Schonwaldt, and murdered him
in his own hall."

"Murdered him!" repeated the Duke in a deep and low tone, which
nevertheless was heard from the one end of the hall in which they were
assembled to the other, "thou hast been imposed upon, Crevecoeur, by
some wild report--it is impossible!"

"Alas! my lord!" said the Count, "I have it from an eyewitness, an
archer of the King of France's Scottish Guard, who was in the hall when
the murder was committed by William de la Marck's order."

"And who was doubtless aiding and abetting in the horrible sacrilege,"
said the Duke, starting up and stamping with his foot with such fury
that he dashed in pieces the footstool which was placed before him. "Bar
the doors of this hall, gentlemen--secure the windows--let no stranger
stir from his seat, upon pain of instant death!--Gentlemen of my
chamber, draw your swords."

And turning upon Louis, he advanced his own hand slowly and deliberately
to the hilt of his weapon, while the King, without either showing fear
or assuming a defensive posture, only said--"These news, fair cousin,
have staggered your reason."

"No!" replied the Duke, in a terrible tone, "but they have awakened a
just resentment, which I have too long suffered to be stifled by
trivial considerations of circumstance and place. Murderer of
thy brother!--rebel against thy parent--tyrant over thy
subjects!--treacherous ally!--perjured King!--dishonoured
gentleman!--thou art in my power, and I thank God for it."

"Rather thank my folly," said the King; "for when we met on equal terms
at Montl'hery, methinks you wished yourself farther from me than we are
now."

The Duke still held his hand on the hilt of his sword, but refrained
to draw his weapon or to strike a foe who offered no sort of resistance
which could in any wise provoke violence.

Meanwhile, wild and general confusion spread itself through the hall.
The doors were now fastened and guarded by order of the Duke; but
several of the French nobles, few as they were in number, started from
their seats, and prepared for the defence of their Sove