giving
precedence to his mistress, and he really had forgotten for a moment
that the somnolent Nym was to be regarded as his Sovereign. So his
future Majesty, with Bertram's assistance, mounted the bay charger, and
his sister Alianora was placed on the pillion behind him.

The next horse was mounted by Constance, with Bertram before her; the
third by little Roger, very proud of his position, with Maude set on the
pillion in charge of her small cavalier, and the bridle firmly tied to
Bertram's saddle. Last came Maydeston and Anne. They were just ready
to start when Constance broke into a peal of merry laughter.

"I do but laugh to think of Eva's face, when she shall find neither thee
nor me," she said to Maude, "and likewise his Highness' gaolers, waking
up to an empty cage where the little birds should be."

Maude's heart was too heavy and anxious about the issue of the adventure
to enable her to reply lightly.

Through the most unfrequented bridle-paths they crept slowly on, till
first Windsor, and then Eton, was left behind. They were about two
miles beyond Eton, when a hand was suddenly laid on Constance's bridle,
and the summons to "Stand and deliver!" jestingly uttered in a familiar
and most welcome voice.

"Ha, Dickon! right glad am I to hear thee!" cried his sister.

"Is all well, Custance?"

"Sweet as Spanish must [new wine]. But where is Ned?"

"Within earshot, fair Sister," said Edward's equally well-known and
deeper tones. "Methinks a somewhat other settlement should serve better
for quick riding, though thine were well enough to creep withal. Sir
Bertram, I pray you alight--you shall ride with your dame, and I with
the Lady Countess. Can you set the Lord Roger afore? Good! then so do.
Lord Sele! I pray you to squire the Lady Alianora's Grace. His
Highness will ride single, as shall be more to his pleasure. Now,
Dickon, I am right sorry to trouble thee, but mefeareth I must needs set
thee to squire the Lady Anne."

Semi-sarcastic speeches of this kind were usually Edward's nearest
approach to fun. The fresh arrangement was made as he suggested; and
though little Roger would not have acknowledged it publicly on any
consideration, yet privately he felt the change in his position a
relief. Lord Richard of Conisborough was the last of the illustrious
persons to mount, and his squire helped Anne Mortimer to spring to her
place behind him. The only notice which Richard outwardly took of he