CHAPTER XLVII
High-reaching Buckingham grows circumspect.
—RICHARD III.
Before giving the reader an account of the meeting betwixt Buckingham and his injured Sovereign, we may mention a trifling circumstance or two which took place betwixt his Grace and Chiffinch, in the short drive betwixt York Place and Whitehall.
In the outset, the Duke endeavoured to learn from the courtier the special cause of his being summoned so hastily to the Court. Chiffinch answered, cautiously, that he believed there were some gambols going forward, at which the King desired the Duke’s presence.
This did not quite satisfy Buckingham, for, conscious of his own rash purpose, he could not but apprehend discovery. After a moment’s silence, “Chiffinch,” he said abruptly, “did you mention to any one what the King said to me this morning touching the Lady Anne?”
“My Lord Duke,” said Chiffinch, hesitantly, “surely my duty to the King—my respect to your Grace——”
“You mentioned it to no one, then?” said the Duke sternly.
“To no one,” replied Chiffinch faintly, for he was intimidated by the Duke’s increasing severity of manner.
“Ye lie, like a scoundrel!” said the Duke—“You told Christian!”