She hastened at once to her child. She knelt down by his cradle and looked for a long time at the handsome little one lying in quiet slumber, watched his gentle breathing, and admired his rosy cheeks. Alan stood at the head of the cradle and kept watch over his Duke. With a sad smile Constance rose, took Bertha’s hand, and left the chamber. Later in the evening the Duchess, Höel, and her counsellors prepared a reply to King Philip’s proposals. It had already been demonstrated by the Queen’s conduct how little they could expect from her husband’s family; for although as wife and mother Eleanor neither loved nor respected King Henry and his sons, she understood how to gain her own ends and embitter the feelings of others. Could affection for the child be expected of them when even his own grandmother would not acknowledge him? After due consideration it was decided to accept the guardianship offered by Philip Augustus on condition that the King of England, on his return from the wars, agreed to it. On the following day Constance gave her reply to Count Gragny, who expressed his delight, for he knew that the King would be pleased with the prompt and successful manner in which he had executed the commission. “My King ordered me,” he said, “to make arrangements for your safety at once. He will send you all the troops you need.” “We are not at war,” replied Constance, “and consequently do not need help.” “Now that Eleanor has been here, Princess, do not expect that peace will be lasting. The help offered to-day may be too far away in time of danger to rescue your son.” Constance was deeply impressed by his importunity, and turned to Höel, saying: “You know best our means of defence. Do you think them sufficient?” “The militia will not hesitate to take the field for you,” replied the knight, “but only so long as war may last. Paid troops will remain all the time in your service, but of course they will be a burden upon the country.” “Only a small number will be sent,” said the Count. “That is the King’s own stipulation.” Constance was forced to accept, but with a sad heart, and dismissed the Count, who at once started for home with his attendants. The merrymaking arranged by the Count continued in Rennes, and the Duchess took part in it with apparent pleasure. But, as often as she could, she visited the room where Arthur played upon Bertha’s lap and crowed and laughed in play with Alan. She pressed her darling to her heart and sighed, “It is all for you, my son, all for you.” Chapter VI The Guardianship