known as
the Painted Room. Upon the walls were depicted a series of battle scenes
in long bands reaching around this room, one above another. Some of
these pictures had been painted as far back as the days of Henry III,
others had been added since his time. They chronicled the various wars
of the King of England, and it was from them that the little hall took
its name of the Painted Room.

This ancient wing, or offshoot, of the main buildings was more retired
from the hurly-burly of outer life than other parts of the palace, and
thither the sick King was very fond of retiring from the business of
State, which ever rested more and more heavily upon his shoulders,
sometimes to squander in quietness a spare hour or two; sometimes to
idle over a favorite book; sometimes to play a game of chess with a
favorite courtier. The cold painted walls had been hung with tapestry,
and its floor had been spread with arras carpet. These and the cushioned
couches and chairs that stood around gave its gloomy antiquity an air of
comfort--an air even of luxury.

It was to this favorite retreat of the King's that Myles was brought
that morning with his father to face the great Earl of Alban.

In the anteroom the little party of Princes and nobles who escorted
the father and son had held a brief consultation. Then the others had
entered, leaving Myles and his blind father in charge of Lord Lumley and
two knights of the court, Sir Reginald Hallowell and Sir Piers Averell.

Myles, as he stood patiently waiting, with his father's arm resting in
his, could hear the muffled sound of voices from beyond the arras. Among
others, he recognized the well-remembered tones of the King. He fancied
that he heard his own name mentioned more than once, and then the sound
of talking ceased. The next moment the arras was drawn aside, and the
Earl entered the antechamber again.

"All is ready, cousin," said he to Lord Falworth, in a suppressed voice.
"Essex hath done as he promised, and Alban is within there now." Then,
turning to Myles, speaking in the same low voice, and betraying more
agitation than Myles had thought it possible for him to show, "Sir
Myles," said he, "remember all that hath been told thee. Thou knowest
what thou hast to say and do." Then, without further word, he took Lord
Falworth by the hand, and led the way into the room, Myles following
close behind.

The King half sat, half inclined, upon a cushioned seat close to which
stood the