fealty to any, the choice of a path at this moment may require a deal ofthought, if it is to be made once for all. That King Henry’s daughter hasa reasonable claim is surely beyond question, I cannot call a man traitor forchoosing that cause, though I may blame him for breaking his oath to you. Asfor me, I came into my lands only some months ago, and I have so far swornfealty to none. I have taken my time in choosing where I will serve. I am here.Those who flock to you without thought may fall away from you just aslightly.”

“And you will not?” said the king skeptically. He was studyingthis bold and possibly over-fluent young man with critical attention. Alightweight, not above the middle height and slenderly built, but of balancedand assured movement; he might well make up in speed and agility what he lackedin bulk and reach. Perhaps two or three years past twenty, black-avised, withthin, alert features and thick, quirky dark brows. An unchancy fellow, becausethere was no guessing from his face what went on behind the deep-set eyes. Hisforthright speech might be honest, or it might be calculated. He looked quitesubtle enough to have weighed up his sovereign and reasoned that boldness mightnot be displeasing.

“And I will not,” he said firmly. “But that need not passon my word. It can be put to the proof hereafter. I am on your Grace’sprobation.”

“You have not brought your force with you?”

“Three men only are with me. It would have been folly to leave a goodcastle unmanned or half-manned, and small service, to you to ask that you feedfifty more without due provision for the increase. Your Grace has only to tellme where you would have me serve, and it shall be done.”

“Not so fast,” said Stephen. “Others may also have need oftime and thought before they embrace you, young man. You were close and inconfidence with FitzAlan, some time ago.”

“I was. I still have nothing against him but that he has chosen oneway, and I the other.”