Then it was that Hazel told me of the happenings at court whilst I was absent therefrom.
The Queen was not long gone. When she returned she was accompanied by her little son, the Duke of York. He was fully dressed for the road.
"Mother, I do not like to leave thee," said he, as they entered.
"Nay, my darling, no more do I desire thee to go," returned his mother, tenderly. "But, Richard, my pet," she continued, "thou goest with thy brother, so thou needst not to be lonely. Besides, thou shalt not be for long separated from us—I hope," she added.
"But wilt thou follow me shortly, mother dear?"
"I hope to soon be with thee, Richard," replied his mother. Then, as the boy began to cry, she said:—"come, my little man, thou must show thyself to be the true son of a King. Be brave, and do as thy mother doth direct thee; then I shall be proud of my little son."
This had the desired effect upon the proud spirit of his noble father, that was so easily discernible in this young offshoot of the proud house to which he belonged.
At this moment Dorset entered, fully equipped and ready for the road.
The Queen took the Marquis, Harleston and me, to the far end of the room, leaving the little Duke with Hazel and Mary, from whom he seemed most sad to part.
"Thou hast not yet told me where thou art taking Richard," said her Majesty, in a low voice, to Dorset.