fears the anger of Burgundy, and the suspension of your trade with the
Flemings; but--forgive me--this is not reasonable. Burgundy dare not
offend England, matched, as its arms are, with France; the Flemings gain
more by you than you gain by the Flemings, and those interested burghers
will not suffer any prince's quarrel to damage their commerce. Charolois
may bluster and threat, but the storm will pass, and Burgundy will be
contented, if England remain neutral in the feud with France. All these
reasons, sire, urge me to support my private foe, the Lord Warwick,
and to pray you to give no ear to the discrediting his Honour and his
embassy."

The profound sagacity of these remarks, the repute of the speaker, and
the well-known grudge between him and Warwick, for reasons hereafter
to be explained, produced a strong effect upon the intellect of Edward,
always vigorous, save when clouded with passion. But Rivers, whose
malice to the earl was indomitable, coldly recommenced,--

"With submission to the Lord Hastings, sire, whom we know that love
sometimes blinds, and whose allegiance to the earl's fair sister, the
Lady of Bonville, perchance somewhat moves him to forget the day when
Lord Warwick--"

"Cease, my lord," said Hastings, white with suppressed anger; "these
references beseem not the councils of grave men."

"Tut, Hastings," said Edward, laughing merrily, "women mix themselves
up in all things: board or council, bed or battle,--wherever there
is mischief astir, there, be sure, peeps a woman's sly face from her
wimple. Go on, Rivers."

"Your pardon, my Lord Hastings," said Rivers, "I knew not my thrust went
so home; there is another letter I have not yet laid before the king."
He drew forth a scroll from his bosom, and read as follows:--

"Yesterday the earl feasted the king, and as, in discharge of mine
office, I carved for my lord, I heard King Louis say, 'Pasque Dieu, my
Lord Warwick, our couriers bring us word that Count Charolois declares
he shall yet wed the Lady Margaret, and that he laughs at your
ambassage. What if our brother, King Edward, fall back from the treaty?'
'He durst not!' said the earl."

"Durst not!" exclaimed Edward, starting to his feet, and striking the
table with his clenched hand, "durst not! Hastings, hear you that?"

Hastings bowed his head in assent. "Is that all, Lord Rivers?"

"All! and methinks enough."

"Enough, by my halidame!" said Edward, laughing bitterly; "he shall s