It was not Richard who replied to this winning address. He stood flushed, irresolute, with eyes resolutely cast down, as if to avoid seeing the Princess’s sweet face.
Adam, however, spoke: “Then, Lady, I am indeed beholden to you; provided that the boy is safe.”
“He is safe,” said Prince Edward. “His age is protection sufficient.—My young cousin, thou art no outlaw: thine uncle will welcome thee gladly; and a career is open to thee where thou mayst redeem the honour of thy name.”
The colour came with deeper crimson to the boy’s cheek, as he answered in a choked voice, “My father’s name needs no redemption!”
Simultaneously a pleading interjection from the Princess, and a warning growl from De Gourdon, admonished Richard that he was on perilous ground; but the Prince responded in a tone of deep feeling, “Well said, Richard: the term does not befit that worthy name. I should have said that I would fain help thee to maintain its honour. My page once, wilt thou be so again? and one day my knight—my trusty baron?”
“How can I?” said Richard, still in the same undertone, subdued but determined: “it was you who slew him and my brothers!”
“Nay, nay!” exclaimed the Princess: “the poor boy thinks all his kindred are slain!”
“And they are not!” cried Richard, raising his face with sudden animation. “They are safe?”
“Thy brother Henry died with—with the Earl,” said Eleanor; “but all the rest are safe, and in France.”
“And my mother and sister?” asked Richard.