"I hope you have been as well cared for, damsel," he said, " since your
arrival at the castle, as you cared for the Duke of Suffolk and myself
when we visited your cottage?
"I have had everything I require, my liege," replied Mabel timidly.
"Dame Quanden will take charge of you till to-morrow," rejoined the
king, "when you will enter upon the service of one of our dames."
"Your majesty is very considerate," said Mabel, "but I would rather go
back at early dawn to my grandsire."
"That is needless," rejoined the king sternly. "Your grandsire is in the
castle."
"I am glad to hear it! " exclaimed Mabel. And then,altering her tone, for
she did not like the expression of the king's countenance, she added, "I
hope he has not incurred your majesty's displeasure."
"I trust he will be able to clear himself, Mabel," said Henry, "but he
labours under the grave suspicion of leaguing with lawless men."
Mabel shuddered, for the thought of what she had witnessed on the
previous night during the storm rushed forcibly to her recollection. The
king noticed her uneasiness, and added, in a gentler tone, "If he makes
such confession as will bring the others to justice, he has nothing to
fear.
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