sipping his wine apparently quite oblivious of the
approaching noise. In another moment, at the outer door an imperious
voice demanded:

"Is His Grace of Gloucester within?"

At the tones, Rivers started and dropped his knife upon his plate; his
brows contracted slightly and a troubled look dawned in his eyes.

"Ha, De Lacy, well met!" came the voice again.

"By St. Denis! my lord, I am glad to see you," was the response. "It
is a pleasure I had not counted on this side of London. Have you seen
the Duke?"

"I arrived but this moment. Will you take me to him?"

"Assuredly--he is now at supper, but I shall venture to admit you."

They crossed the outer room, the door opened, and De Lacy stepped
within and announced:

"The Duke of Buckingham!"

The man who entered was full six feet in height and slender, and bore
himself with the easy assurance of one accustomed to respect and
deference. His face was handsome in general outline and effect, though
the features were not accordant with one another. Beneath a mass of
ruddy hair, a broad, high forehead arched a pair of shifty grey eyes
and a large, full nose overhung a mouth of indifferent strength, while
the whole was gripped by a chin that was a fit complement to the
forehead. He paused for an instant, as his glance fell on Gloucester's
companions, and his surprise was very evident--then he doffed bonnet
and came forward.

"By St. Paul!" exclaimed Richard, rising and extending his hand, "it is
so long since I have seen the Duke of Buckingham that it was well to
announce him formally."

"It is only those with the fame of a Gloucester that require no
introduction," replied Stafford, with a graceful bow that included also
Rivers and Grey.

"Come, come, Sir Duke!" said Richard, "this is too much of a family
gathering for the turning of compliments."

"In truth, yes," returned Buckingham--"a half-brother and three uncles
of our King--but, pardieu! where is His Majesty? Methought you
traveled with him, fair brother-in-law."

"Edward lies to-night at Stoney Stratford," replied Rivers.

"Aye, it is unexpected all around, this meeting, it seems," said
Richard suavely. "And, by St. Paul! a happy chance indeed. Come,
Buckingham, the gross chare grow cold; take place and fall to. . .
Catesby, tell the cook to sauce another capon and unbrace a mallard."

In all history there scarce had been a supper party such as this.
There, about that table in this humble