's King. . . Bah! it is deeper degradation than words can
sound," and he folded his arms and stared, vacantly and with drawn
face, straight before him.

"It is the misfortune of a red-haired, flat-nosed servant, my lord,"
said Richard; "best give him his quittance and a new master.
Meanwhile, be not so downcast.--I accept your explanation."

Lord Darby dropped upon his knee, and now the King gave him his hand.

"We will put your gratitude and allegiance to the proof," he said,
fixing Darby's eyes with his own and holding them. "The Duke of
Buckingham and the Tudor Henry rise in rebellion seven days hence. We
need an army within that time. Go, collect your retainers, and join me
without an hour's delay."

"Your Majesty is very gracious to make but my liege service the earnest
of my faith and word. I ride for Roxford this instant," and with a
graceful salute to the King, and a sneering smile at De Lacy he left
the apartment.

Richard's quick change--after his searching questions and stern
front--in suddenly accepting Darby's assertion of innocence and
dismissing him with honor, came to De Lacy like a blow in the face.
Had he been within reach when Darby flaunted him, not even the royal
presence would have held his arm. As it was, with a stiff bow he was
withdrawing, when Richard laughed.

"Are you displeased, Sir Aymer?" he said kindly.

"It is not for me to question the conduct of the King," De Lacy
answered respectfully.

"You are surprised, then?"

"Marry, yes! Sire; that I am."

"Only because you have never had to study men to use them. It is not
Richard Plantagenet's wont to discuss his decisions with another; yet
in this instance, because you are led by no whit of selfishness but
solely by love for your betrothed, I will make exception. Surely, you
saw there was no evidence sufficient to condemn Darby. If you had ever
seen this Flat-Nose it would have been another matter. But
resemblances are not conclusive; and in the face of his explanation and
absolute denial, the case against him fell for want of proof. Mark me,
I do not say that he is innocent; and when the struggle with Buckingham
is over we will go deeper into this mystery."

"Then Your Majesty has not sacrificed the Countess of Clare for Lord
Darby's retainers?" De Lacy asked pointedly.

Richard smiled good naturedly.

"It is a just question, Sir Aymer," he said; "yet be assured I have no
thought to sacrifice Beatrix. At this exi