Frederick dropped to his knee and touched her fingers gently with his lips. "But come, we must make haste!" said her Majesty, "and have my little son away from here before Gloucester doth send hither for him. Do thou go, my son," said she, speaking to the Marquis, "and assemble as many of thy followers as thou canst, whilst I prepare young Richard for the flight." "Again, madam, may I crave permission to offer a suggestion?" interrupted Harleston. "Indeed I long to hear what thou hast to say," replied the Queen. "And if thine advice shall be as good this time as it was last much unquietness of spirit shall it save me." "Then, madam," said my friend, "I would advise that thou shouldst send no other than my Lord of Dorset, to escort the little Prince. Were he to be surrounded by a body of armed men he needs must attract attention, and therefore could easily be followed. But, madam, if he goeth unattended, except for one gentleman, no curiosity will be aroused, and then he will leave no trail behind, that may guide his pursuers, in case the Duke of Gloucester has him searched for, which 'tis like he will." "Again art thou right," replied the Queen. "And yet," she said, as a troubled expression came into her face, "it likes me not to send my little son so far, without a stronger guard." "Still, mother, Sir Frederick's plan is safer than if we took a regiment," put in Dorset. "Besides," he continued, "I promise thee that no harm shall come unto my little brother so long as I can wield a sword. And be assured, good mother, that every drop of my heart's blood shall be spilled ere Gloucester shall wrench him from me." "Cold comfort for a mother," said the Queen, with a sad smile. "Then, if I lose one son, I must needs lose another. But come," she said suddenly, "whilst we talk here precious moments, which might be used in flight, are passing by. Go, my son, and make thee ready with all speed for thy journey, whilst I go to prepare thy little brother." She followed Dorset from the room, and we were left with the girls, alone. Then it was that Hazel told me of the happenings at court whilst I was absent therefrom. The Queen was not long gone. When she returned she was accompanied by her little son, the Duke of York. He was fully dressed for the road. "Mother, I do not like to leave thee," said he, as they entered. "Nay, my darling, no more do I desire thee to go," returned his mother, tenderly. "But, Richard, my pet," she continued, "thou goest with thy brother, so thou needst not to be lonely. Besides, thou shalt not be for long separated from us--I hope," she added. "But wilt thou follow me shortly, mother dear?" "I hope to soon be with thee, Richard," replied his mother. Then, as the boy began to cry, she said:--"come, my little man, thou must show thyself to be the true son of a King. Be brave, and do as thy mother doth direct thee; then I shall be proud of my little son."