and? It is granted. The privilege of remaining in Doune? It is
granted. But do not ask me to rescind banishment against Archibald
Douglas, Earl of Angus, for that I shall not concede. The Douglas
ambition, and not the Scottish king, has wrecked the Douglas family,
both Black and Red. But as far as concerns your own immediate kin,
with one exception, I shall give anything you like to ask."

Catherine rose to her feet, threw back her auburn tresses, and said
curtly,--

"We ask nothing but the privilege of leaving the country you rule."

The king bowed.

"And you, Lady Isabel?"

"I go with my sister and my mother."

[Illustration: "MY FAIR ANTAGONIST, I BID YOU GOOD-NIGHT."]

"I grieve at your decision, ladies, and for the first time in my life
envy England in getting an advantage over poor old Scotland, which I
hope will not be irreparable, for I trust you will return. But if such
be your determination, then go in peace, and in the daylight. Your
journey shall not be molested by me. But, before you add finality to
your intentions, I think it would be but fair to inform your lady
mother that the king is anxious to be of service to her, and perhaps
she may be content to accept what her daughters are apparently too
proud to receive."

James placed the key once more in the lock, and turning to Catherine
said,--

"My fair antagonist, I bid you good-night."

He stretched out his right hand, and she, with some hesitation and
visible reluctance placed her palm in his. Then the king raised to his
lips the hand which at one time seemed like to have stricken him.

"And you, sweet Isabel, whose gentle words I shall not soon forget,
you will not refuse me your hand?"

"No, your majesty, if you will promise to think kindly of me."

The king, however, did not raise her hand to his lips, but placing an
arm about her waist he drew her towards him and kissed her. Next
moment he was hurrying down the stone steps, and the two were left
alone together.

THE KING INVESTIGATES

The king, wishing to decide wisely, was troubled by a conflict of
evidence, the bane of impartial judges all the world over. A courier
from England had brought formal complaint that, while the two
countries were ostensibly at peace, the condition along the border
was practically a state of war. Raids were continually being made
from the southern portion of Scotland across the boundary into England,
and the robbers retreated unscathed to hide t