"Perchance the Duchess of Gloucester may come here and revive it all."
De Wilton shook his head. "Richard seems to have small love for this old pile of stone; and besides he ceases to be Lord Protector when the King is crowned."
"In truth!" exclaimed De Lacy. "What then will he be?"
"Duke of Gloucester and uncle to His Majesty."
The two men looked at each other and smiled.
Neither had observed an elderly Knight in dusty riding dress and long boots hurrying down the courtyard, until he had passed them; then De Lacy sprang up and hastened after.
"Sir John de Bury," he called; "stop and speak to a friend."
The other whirled around.
"De Lacy!" he exclaimed; "by St. Luke, I am overjoyed to see you, I seek the Duke—get me an audience at once."
"Come," said Aymer, and they hastened to the White Tower.