Having thus rid himself of his worst enemy, Edward III. ordered his mother to live at Castle Rising, where, with plenty of people to wait on her, and everything to make her comfortable, she passed her time quietly, having no chance to scheme or plot against the government. There she remained for about twenty-seven years, receiving occasional visits from her son, who never permitted her name to be mentioned in his presence, excepting with great respect. [[A.D. 1358.]] She died in 1358, and was buried by Edward III. with much ceremony at Grey Friars' Church, her body being attired in the uniform of that order of nuns. A fine alabaster tomb was erected to her memory, the only inscription thereon being: "ISABELLA REGINA." {214} CHAPTER XIII. PHILIPPA OF HAINAULT, QUEEN OF EDWARD III. (A.D. 1311-1369). |When Edward, Prince of Wales, was, with his mother, compelled to seek refuge at the house of the Count of Hainault (of which we have given an account in the story of Isabella of France), he fell violently in love with the count's second daughter, Philippa, and she returned his affection. She was only fifteen years of age, and he a few months older, but they formed an attachment that lasted throughout their lives. Philippa was a brilliant Flemish beauty, whose excellent heart and lovable disposition endeared her to all who knew her. Later, as Queen of England, she proved a blessing to that country by the wisdom and good judgment she displayed in encouraging manufactures and trade. But before she assumed that position she was doomed to many months of anxiety and uncertainty; for her young lover, after only a fortnight's enjoyment of her society, departed on the dangerous expedition of invading his father's kingdom. There was considerable doubt as to whether he would ever return, because not only were the affairs of his country in such a condition that he could not foretell what turn they might take, but the relatives of both the lovers might interpose many objections to their union. It was not the custom in those days for the heir of England to acknowledge that he had made his choice of a wife without first consulting his parliament and councillors, {215} [Illustration: 0219] {217}but young Edward imparted his secret to his mother, and, as she had taken a great fancy to pretty Philippa, she promised to aid him as best she could. Therefore as soon as possible after her return home she led the public authorities to decide that one of the four daughters of the Count of Hainault would be the most desirable alliance for her son, but without naming which one. However, we may be very sure that the young man gave his own private instructions to his messengers, for they made no mistake in their choice, nor is it likely that he would risk trusting entirely to their discretion as to which of the young Hainault ladies would prove most worthy to become Queen of England.