niards.
These rumours grew so loud that in time they even reached the ears of
the Queen, and she, with the Archbishop of Braga, gave Dom Pedro solemn
warning that some plot was assuredly forming which would end in his
ruin. But Dom Pedro, naturally fearless, had faith in his father's
goodwill towards him, and looked on these kindly warnings as mere empty
threats, so proceeded gaily on his path. Thus in silence was prepared
the bloody deed.

When the courtiers thought all was ready they went in a deputation to
Alfonso IV., and pointed out what might be expected in the future if
Ines de Castro was allowed to remain the fountainhead for honours and
employments to all her countrymen who were attracted to Portugal by the
hopes of better pay. They enlarged on the fact that the national laws
and customs would be changed, and Portugal become a mere province of
Spain; worse than all, that the life of the Infant Dom Fernando was
endangered, as upon the death of the King, the Castros would naturally
desire to secure the succession to the children of Ines. If Ines were
only out of the way, Dom Pedro would forget her, and consent to make a
suitable marriage. So things went on, working together for the end of
Ines.

At last the King set forth, surrounded by many of his great nobles and
high officials, for Coimbra, a small town in which was situated the
Convent of Santa Clara, where Ines de Castro quietly dwelt, with her
three surviving children. On seeing the sudden arrival of Alfonso with
this great company of armed knights, the soul of Ines shrank with a
horrible fear. She could not fly, as every avenue was closed, and Dom
Pedro was away on the chase, as the nobles very well knew. Pale as an
image of death, Ines clasped her children in her arms, and flung herself
at the feet of the King. 'My lord,' she cried, 'have I given you cause
to wish my death? Your son is the Prince; I can refuse him nothing. Have
pity on me, wife as I am. Kill me not without reason. And if you have no
compassion left for me, find a place in your heart for your
grandchildren, who are of your own blood.'

The innocence and beauty of the unfortunate woman, who indeed had harmed
no one, moved the King, and he withdrew to think better what should be
done. But the envy and hatred of the courtiers would not suffer Ines to
triumph, and again they brought forward their evil counsels.

[Illustration: Ines pleads for her life]

'Do what you will,' at length said