"We were off soon after to Basing, where you see me now. Ay, we lie snug enough, and if you remark that I am become a personage of some note I am not to deny you. I do not say that my master shows this to the world, for that is not at all his way, but I am bold to tell you that I am very indispensable both to him and to my mistress. Which is not at all to be wondered at, I hold. But we have never found a pair of stocks with gold quirks about the ankles to match with those we lost at Vasconosa, and I cannot but deem the throwing of them to the winds, as it were, a very wanton piece of work. But thus it is always upon Sir Nicholas' affairs." THE END [Transcriber's Note: Inconsistent hyphenation left as printed.] * * * * * Pedigree of the HOUSE OF BEAUVALLET for those Readers who are Interested in the Fortunes of the Descendants of SIMON THE COLDHEART, 1st Baron Beauvallet _b._ 1385, out of wedlock. Son of Geoffrey, Earl of Malvallet and of Jehanne, a peasant. Fought at Shrewsbury as Squire to Fulk, Earl of Montlice, and was Knighted 1403. Later acquired Barony of Beauvallet in Bedfordshire. Was present at Battle of Agincourt and accompanied Henry V on his Second Campaign to France. Captured Town and Castle of Belrémy. _m._ 1421, Margaret, Countess of Belrémy, and returned with her later to England. Domestic life somewhat Disturbed by Uncertain Temper of Margaret and Unruly Behavour of his heir, Geoffrey (_q.v._). Was Greatly Addicted in Old Age to the Recounting of his Early Reminiscences, and derived Considerable Enjoyment from the Perusal of the Chronicles of his close friend Alan, Earl of Montlice. Was frequently heard to Deplore the Effeminacy of the Younger Generation. _d._ 1452, of the Stone, which he Suffered with Great Fortitude. GEOFFREY, 2nd Baron _b._ 1423. Early exhibited signs of his Mother's Violent Disposition, and Rebelled frequently against the Iron Rule of his Father. Quarrelled with his brother Henry (_q.v._) and Bitterly Resented County of Belrémy being bestowed on him. _m._ 1445, Alys, daughter of a Gentleman of Inferior Lineage, thus enraging his Father. Soon became Permanently Estranged from Simon as the Consequence of Embracing the Yorkist Party. Steered a Perilous and Intricate Course through the Wars of the Roses, and finally Deserted the Yorkist Cause upon the Mysterious Demise of the Nephews of Richard III, which event he felt needed an Explanation which was not Forthcoming. Opened communications with Henry, Earl of Richmond but becoming Exasperated by the Cautious Policy of Henry, he retired from Public Life, and spent the Remainder of his life upon his Estates. _d._ 1486, of the Sweating-Sickness. HENRY, Count of Belrémy