Evening star., 1908-01-26
CHAPTER Xxx.
na~or%,Sra

E.verngham could not leave the palace
without bidding farewell to WesseN. For
the first time III his life he wished to
avoid his friend. yet feared to arouse sus-
picion. mistrust. what not in the heart of
the man whom lie was so unwillingly help
ing 10 deceive He half feared now the
frank and searching eyes which had al
ways rested on him with peculiar kindness
and friendship; he almost dreaded having
to grasp the slenaer, artistocratic hand.
which had ever been extended to him in
loyalty and truth.
desire to draw back. During his lengthy
colloquy with his eminence he had
weighed all the consequences OF his own
actions: though misguided perhaps as to
the means. led away by q stronger will
than his own. his purpose was pure and
his aim high: and though he had tortured
his brain with conjecture and fears he
could not see any danger to WesseX in the
intrigue devised against him.
AS for Lady Ursula. he swore to him.
self that no harm should ultimately come
to her. She would be a tool. necessary
pawn. in this game of cross purposes,
which had the freedom and greatness OF
England for its ultimate aim.
With a firm step Everingham reached
the Great Hall. where one by one the
company was slowly dispensing. The Earl
of Pembroke had gone to his rooms to
prepare for the journey. his friends were
ready in the fountain court to bid him
a final farewell. Some of the younger men
were still whispering in groups in various
parts of the hall. whilst others were con-
tinuing their game of hazard.
E.veringh ham took a rapid look round.
There. in the enbrasure on the dais. Wes-
sex was conversng with the Earl of OK
ford. whilst faithful Harry Plantagenet
lay calmly sleeping at his feet. The duke 8
grave face lighted up at sight of his
friend
Il thought l should have missed you
he said. grasp:ng the young man warmly
by the hand. MY lord of Oxford was just
telling me that lie thought you would be
starting anon
Should | have gone without your Cod
speed?
chess. meseems. must have been very en-
crossing
Lord Everingham felt himself changing
color. Fortunately his luck was to the
light. and the duke could not have seen
the slight start of alarm which folio owed
his simple remark. In flash Everingham
had realised how true had been his emil
nence's conjecture. Messex had already
heard OF the interview in the audience
chamber. The game of chess had undoubt-
edly proved a useful explanation for so
unusual an incident.
"Oh! his eminence is passionately fond
of the game" rejoined Everingham as
lightly as he could. and l could not help
but accede to his request for final battle
of skill with him. since probably / may
not see him on my return
But he felt his grace's earnest ewes
fixed searchingiy upon him. wild long
ing seized him to throw off the mantle Of
diplomacy. which became him so i'll, and
to give q word of timely warning to his
friend. The sight of the beautiful boar
hound. so faithful, so watchful. at the
feet Of his master, became almost intoI-
cradle to his overwrought mind. Perhaps
he would have spoken even now. at this
eleventh hour when from the court out
side there came the sharp sound of bugle
call.
Harry Planta genet. reused from his
light sleep. had pricked his ears
II fear me It's to horse friend said
Wessex. with a light tone OF sadness
Marry! ii likes me not to see YOU de-
part. Harry Plantagenet and l will miss
you sorely in this dull place. and ! will
miss YOUR loyal hand among SO many
enemies"
Enemies, my dear lord" protested