"Thou hast won everything, Bradley, and I shall have to call again on thee, good cousin, that I may give the honest man which owns this house a befitting present," and he turned to Buckingham for more gold.
"But now we must have breakfast and then proceed to join the King at Stony Stratford," said he, as we left the table.
Whilst breakfast was being prepared we went to bathe our eyes, which felt anything but sound after our all night's carouse. Then Harleston and I strolled forth into the chill, bracing air of morning.
"I fear we have misjudged the Prince," said I, as we strolled, arm in arm, about the yard.
"Remember, Bradley," my friend replied, "he may have an object in acting as he hath done."
"What object could he have in thus making us his equals?" I asked.
"So far I cannot tell," replied my friend, solemnly; "yet when a man of Gloucester's stamp appears most pleasant he is most dangerous. I may be doing him a wrong, but I cannot help but fear that there is some great 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 mayst be right," said I, "but, for myself, I must confess I do begin to not so much dislike the man."
"Place not great trust in a Prince's smile," returned Harleston.
By this time the gentlemen in attendance on the Prince and Buckingham commenced to arrive from their different quarters; so we were compelled to stop this conversation. We reëntered the house and joined the others at table.