sentence. He had glanced fearlessly around him to the last,
his eye resting on the figure of the Earl of Gloucester with an
expression of pitying commiseration for a moment, as if he felt for him,
for his deep regret in his country's shame, infinitely more than for
himself. Proudly erect he held himself, as they led him in solemn pomp
from the great hall of the castle, across the court to the dungeons of
the condemned, gazing calmly and unflinchingly on the axe, which carried
with its edge towards him proclaimed him condemned, though his doom was
more ignominious than the axe bestowed. There was a time when he had
shrunk from the anticipated agony of a degradation so complete as
this--but not now; his spirit was already lifted up above the honors and
humiliations of earth. But one dream of this world remained--one sad,
sweet dream clung to his heart, and bound it with silver chains below.
Where was that gentle being? He fondly hoped she had sought the friends
of his boyhood, as he had implored her, should they be parted; he strove
to realize comfort in the thought they would protect and save her the
agony of a final parting; but he strove in vain. One wild yearning
possessed him, to gaze upon her face, to fold her to his heart once, but
once again: it was the last lingering remnant of mortality; he had not
another thought of life but this, and this grew stronger as its hope
seemed vain. But there was one near to give him comfort, when he
expected it not.

Wrapped so closely in his dark, shrouding mantle that naught but the
drooping feather of his cap could be distinguished, the Earl of
Gloucester drew near the prisoner, and as he paused, ere the gates and
bars of the prison entrance could be drawn back, whispered hurriedly yet
emphatically--

"A loved one is safe and shall be so. Would to God I could do more!"

Suppressing with extreme difficulty a start of relief and surprise, the
young nobleman glanced once on Gloucester's face, pressed his hands
together, and answered, in the same tone--

"God in heaven bless thee! I would see her once, only once more, if it
can be without danger to her; it is life's last link, I cannot snap
it--parted thus." They hurried him through the entrance with the last
word lingering on his lips, and before Gloucester could make even a sign
of reply.

Early in the evening of the same day, King Edward was reclining on his
couch, in the chamber we have before described, and, surrounded by