Hazel had not heard my remark to Catesby, nor--by some happy chance--his insolent retort, which latter had, to mine ears, sounded loud enough for the whole great room to hear. But that must have been on account of the sting it carried for me. Be that as it may, she had not heard; and for this I was thankful; for had she, it should have worried her, and the evening had then been spoiled for both of us; and I would not have had that happen for a kingdom. When we had finished our set I asked Hazel if I might have the next. "No, Walter," she replied; "I have already promised it to Sir William Catesby; although I do not think much of lawyers," she added. Of course this made me to boil again; but I did not say so, to Hazel, for fear she might be frightened. All I said was:--"I detest that fellow, and do not like to see thee dance with him." "Well, 'tis much more disagreeable to me," she answered; "and thou mayst be assured that I will not dance with him again to-night." "Nor any other night," thought I, "if I may but get my sword betwixt his ribs." When the next set did start, as I had no desire for dancing with any other woman, after having danced with that dainty flower, I strolled into one of the adjoining rooms, and sat myself down in a comfortable seat, behind the open door; so that I might not be disturbed in my meditations, which made my heart to beat the faster the further I let them run. For the one thought in my mind was how and when I had better declare myself unto the dear maid which I so madly loved, and get her promise to some day make me the happiest man on earth, by meeting with me at that trysting place, where the most high ambitions of love are realized, namely, the altar of Holy Church. Just as I had fully made up my mind to have Hazel give me a definite answer the first time I should catch her alone (and now I felt certain what that answer would be) Gloucester and Buckingham walked into the room; the former leaning upon the arm of the latter, as was his wont, when the two were together. I saw them through the opening where the door hangs to the wall; but they evidently thought that they were the sole occupants of the room; for, the moment they entered, I heard the Prince say in a low tone:--"As we are alone here I may say that which thine ears alone should hear." Then, before I could make a move, and make known my presence (for Heaven truly knows I have never had any desire to play the eavesdropper) he continued: "His Majesty's time is short; dost thou not see the seal of death upon his brow?" "Indeed, my lord, methinks that thou art right," replied the other. "Then, Buckingham, we may play our hand. Our time is coming; watch and be prepared for a bold stroke. "Hereford, thine own by right of birth, but now usurped by yon grasping brother of mine, is a grand earldom, is it not, Cousin?"