e means to make men speak!" said one of the peers, threateningly.

"That may be; but not women."

"They can talk fast enough, as I know to my cost!" observed the lord of
a very loquacious lady.

"Ay, and hold their peace likewise, as I will show you!" said Constance.

"Is it not true," enquired the Chancellor further, "that you stale away
out of the Castle of Windsor the four childre of Roger Mortimer,
sometime Earl of March?"

"It is very true."

"And wherefore did you so?"

"Because I chose it!" she said, lifting her head royally.

"Madam, you well wot you be a subject."

"I better wot you be," returned the unabashed Princess.

"And who aided and counselled you thereto?" asked the Chancellor--who
was the prisoner's own cousin, Henry Beaufort, Bishop of Lincoln, and
brother of the King.

"I can aid myself, and counsel myself," answered the prisoner.

"My question is not answered, Dame."

"Ay so, Sir. And 'tis like to abide thus a while longer."

"I must know who were your counsellors. Name but one man."

"Very well. I will name one an' you press me so to do."

"So do."

"Sir Henry de Beaufort, Chancellor of England."

A peal of laughter rang through the House.

"What mean you, Madam?" sternly demanded the affronted Chancellor.

"Marry, my Lord, you pressed me to name a man--and I have named a man."

The merriment of the august assembly was not decreased by the fact that
the Chancellor was rather unpopular.

"Are you of ability, Madam, to declare unto us right-wisely that neither
of my Lords your brothers did aid you in this matter?"

"I have passed no word, Sir, touching either of my brothers."

"The which I do now desire of you, Dame."

"Do you so, my Lord? I fear your Lordship may weary of waiting."

"I will wait no longer!" cried Beaufort, angrily and impatiently. "I--"

"Say you so, Sir?" responded the Princess in her coolest manner. "Then
I bid your Lordship a merry morrow.--I am ready, Master Gaoler."

"I said not we were ready, Madam!" exclaimed Beaufort.

"No did, Sir? Then I cry your Lordship mercy that I misconceived you."

"Dame, I demand of you whether your brothers gave unto you no aid in
this matter?"

Constance was in a sore strait. She did not much care to what
conclusion the House came as concerned Edward: he was the prime mover in
the affair, and richly deserved any thing he might get, irrespective of
this proceeding altogether. But that any harm should co