“A better man at heart,” said Leonard, who had learnt to love the Count de Charolais. “He loathes the vices and revelry that have stained the Court.” “That is true,” said Lambert. “Yet he is a man of violence, and with none of the skill and dexterity with which Duke Philip steered his course.” “A plague on such skill,” muttered Leonard. “Caring solely for his own gain, not for the right!” “Yet your Count has a heavy hand,” said Lambert. “Witness Dinant! unhappy Dinant.” “The rogues insulted his mother,” said Leonard. “He offered them terms which they would not have in their stubborn pride! But speak not of that! I never saw the like in England. There we strike at the great, not at the small. Ah well, with all our wars and troubles England was the better place to live in. Shall we ever see it more?” There was something delightful to Grisell in that “we,” but she made answer, “So far as I hear, there has been quiet there for the last two years under King Edward.” “Ay, and after all he has the right of blood,” said Leonard. “Our King Henry is a saint, and Queen Margaret a peerless dame of romance, but since I have come to years of understanding I have seen that they neither had true claim of inheritance nor power to rule a realm.” “Then would you make your peace with the White Rose?” “The _rose en soleil_ that wrought us so much evil at Mortimer’s Cross? Methinks I would. I never swore allegiance to King Henry. My father was still living when last I saw that sweet and gracious countenance which I must defend for love and reverence’ sake.” “And he knighted you,” said Grisell. “True,” with a sharp glance, as if he wondered how she was aware of the fact; “but only as my father’s heir. My poor old house and tenants! I would I knew how they fare; but mine uncle sends me no letters, though he does supply me.” “Then you do not feel bound in honour to Lancaster?” said Grisell. “Nay; I did not stir or strive to join the Queen when last she called up the Scots—the Scots indeed!—to aid her. I could not join them in a foray on England. I fear me she will move heaven and earth again when her son is of age to bear arms; but my spirit rises against allies among Scots or French, and I cannot think it well to bring back bloodshed and slaughter.” “I shall pray for peace,” said Grisell. All this was happiness to her, as she felt that he was treating her with confidence. Would she ever be nearer to him?