Part 13 (1/2)
”What object could he have in thusus his equals?” I asked
”So far I cannot tell,” replied my friend, solemnly; ”yet when a man of Gloucester's sta hireat game about to be played, and Gloucester will play in it a leading part I forget not what thou didst overhear the night of the ball
Remember,” he added, ”it is not for ourselves I fear; it is for those far above us”
”Thou ht,” said I, ”but, for in to not so reat trust in a Prince's sentleham commenced to arrive from their different quarters; so ere compelled to stop this conversation We reentered the house and joined the others at table
Gloucester still continued his friendlyof pleasant speeches
Buckingham spoke but seldom, but when he did it was ever in the sath Gloucester asked in a carelessattended by a sufficient retinue to sustain the dignity of one in such an exalted position? Had it not been for the strong opposition of that s--his Majesty should have coha reply
”As for his Majesty's train,” replied the Earl, ”it is not great in nuentlemen of no mean blood We had an ar opposition to this plan”
Methought I noticed a trace of suspicion in Rivers' face as he made this reply; but if it had been there at all it left as quickly as it calance, and mine old opinion of our host returned with a redoubled force
”Well,” said Richard, ”cousin Buckingha, and when it is added to that which already attends his Majesty ue betwixt his teeth, and his sword in his scabbard, e enter London
”But now 'tis time that we set out for Stony Stratford No doubt his Majesty will be impatient to be off to London, and to see his mother”
We then started forth upon our way; Richard and Rivers riding side by side, whilst Buckingha; the sun was shi+ning clear and bright; the air was of a coolness whichupon the road when a haze cliauzy curtain betwixt the sun and us At first it was scarcely perceptible; but it was not long ere the sun had been so thoroughly draped as to be completely blotted out
In theleisurely on our journey
Gloucester talked with Rivers in most friendly manner As ere directly behind them we could not help but overhear a part of their conversation
”Ho stand with France?” asked Rivers
”Not so friendly as ht be,” replied the Prince ”Beforewar upon old Louis This hath angered theood terms with the old scare-crow”
”When dost thou think of having the young King crowned?” asked the Earl
”Methinks 'twere good to have it done so soon as all necessary arrangements can be completed,” replied Richard And so the conversation ran, until the rain coe and scattered drops This caused us to quicken our pace, and so made all conversation impossible Then the rain poured down in torrents, and caused our clothes to cling unto our backs in a most uncomfortable manner The vapour arose froave our train the appearance of a phantoht reach a place of shelter
However, as is ever the case, when at last we caht of our destination--Stony Stratford--the sun had burnt through the clouds which screened it, and again shone forth in all its splendour So we slackened our pace, and the conversation started afresh, as the sun's rays began to dry our backs, and cheer us with its welco King and his following had spent the night we noticed a considerable procession filing slowly out of the place and co in our direction
”What may they be?” asked Gloucester
”They 's train, and they come forth to meet us,”
replied Lord Rivers