The National tribune., 1889-09-12
Continued from 1st page.)

Bernard, what is the matter? Do not look
so grieved Dear Bernard / shall not be long
away!" exclaimed the Boy Duke, half fright
ened. though he did not suspect that it was
more than grief for his departure which could
break down the bodily strength, and shatter
the self control of man like Bernard de
Harcourt.
Il am 10th to LET you CO." said Bernard, in
husky voice. He pressed the boys hands
against his bearded face and whispered: "GOd
preserve you, Richard !"
1t seemed as if some ill-presage had forced
itself upon him, in the moment of parting, for
he cast a look of agonizing doubt upon the
King, and gazed at Hugh the White with an
expression which was half entreating and half
q terrible threat, as he exclaimed:
" am almost resolved to go with you, my
Lord!D
This, however. was out of the question for
the duty of providing at once for the defense
of Eyreux, which devolved upon Count Ber-
nard, made his presence in Normandy an inn
perative necessity at this time. Richard re-
piled, affectionately:
81 wish you could Bernard; but fear you
will have to trust me to the care Of Count Bo-
thOn." And he added, smiling: 4" He will not
let the wind blow cold upon me-will you,
BOthon?"
my Lord" said Bothon of Bayenx, "Count
Bernard knows l shall be faithful to my
charge"
"Ay. know It, Bothon." said the Count; ;
and as lie turned his anxions eyes to Bothon's
stalwart, mail-elad form. with the shining hal
herds of the guardsmen in his rear. he seemed
to he reassured and TO put his fears aside.
He took little notice of OsmOnd. for the
faithful Squire, to his mind, was only brave
weii-meaning STRIPPING, whose attendance
pleased the young Duke, bnt whose untried
sword and youthful arm could hardly be es-
teomed Of much Importance to his Lords pro-
lection. Bernard, though he paid such loyal
homage to boy, took small account of boys in
general. Once more he pressed his lips to
Richards hand. saluted the King and the Count
of Paris with somewhat hurried courtesy, and
leaped into his saddle and sitting there with
rigid look of pain upon his features. he
watched tho Lord OF Normandy ride away.
As the cavalcade was passing out Of sight
around the shoulder Of a wooded bill, Richard
! turned and waved his hand his liegemen IN
response, bowed low, and Bernard de HareOurt
lowest Of al-nor did he rise again. The 9TH
ers lifted their heads and saw him lying prone
upon his horses neck, almost insensible. As
Ivo of Belesme and the Baron Rainoul sprang
TO belp him, Sir Ivo muttered:
expected thisl"
They bore him back to Rouen Castle, and
Friar Axelyold was summoned to attend him.
unforbidden now, for Richard was gone; and
many days went by before Count Bernard was
able TO leave the chamber where they placed
him, and to which he had sometimes referred
in a sarcastic manner as FFu Astridas hos
pital." She. kindly dame, crying her eyes
out" over Richards going made haste to dry
her tears and set to work brewing all sorts Of
herb drinks and compromising any quantity Of
salves and lotions wherewith to accelerate the
Counts recovery aud she was far from being
alone in these good Offices. Count Bernard's
two Esquires, Esme de Charny and Alan of
Nantes, were tireless in their attention to his
needs; but they could have had unlimited as
sstance had they wished it There was not
single inmate of the castle but wanted to do
something for the injured hero. marc popular
than ever now. since il was known how much
he had been wrOnged. Those who had been
foremost in the revolt against him were now
most humbly anxious to do him any service
no matter what il was-to show him how sin
cerely they repented. Walter the HuntsmaH
and Berenger the minstrel boy spent more
than half their time in hanging about the
trance 20 his chamber, watching for the slight
est opportunity 10 wait up0n him. Even BeF-
enger was sobered and forgot his gaiety; and
even, in the depths OF his remOrsc, left harp
aud lnte uni ouched through all the time of
Bernard's illness. Count Robert came from
Argenton TO teader his regrets and services;
and Hubert, the young artisan of Roueu, came
every morning to the castle, To ask. with piteous
anxiety, If the Count was better. lie fairly
wept with joy when Bernard, hearing of his
daily visits aud touched by his eontrition, sent
him n consoling message.
And Richard, in the meantime, went on his
way 20 France.
Ru II