task his imagination; and then recollecting the masques of older times, when princes and peeresses did not refuse themselves to these classical entertainments, he said, that though he could not be a poet, he would endeavour to be a compiler, and compose something for such little mimics as she might procure among her friends in the neighbourhood. "Upon one condition, however,” said he, as if suddenly struck with something, "that while you order your theatre, you leave the story entirely to me, and that you do not even know it, till you see it represented."

Constance thought this hard, but was too much interested in her plan, not to comply; and De Vere, telling her he would want about three or four little speakers, and half-a-dozen mutes, they separated, mutually pleased, to prepare for their respective tasks.

As for the fine resolutions which De Vere had almost come to, of separating himself from his cousin's too dangerous society, as that could not well be till her birth-day fête was over, it was without much scruple-postponed.

CHAPTER XXIII.

AN ARRIVAL.

Ask yonder knight in arms,

Both who he is, and why he cometh hither.

SHAKSPEARE.

ALL further moralizing between the cousins was put an end to by the rapid and loud approach of a travelling carriage and four, attended by three outriders; for in those days, when the economy of rumble-tumbles was unknown, the equipage of a great noble bore not that close resemblance to a stage-coach, which it does at present. The clattering, therefore, of horsemen, as well as the thunder of wheels, shook the pavement of the court in which the great entrance-gate of the castle was situated. From a latticed bartizan above, the arrival was witnessed by Mortimer and Constance, who immediately recognized in the splendid blazonry on the pannels, the travelling carriage of the imposing Earl of Cleveland.

It was curiously constructed in the fashion of the time, with a partition lined with crimson velvet, which divided it into two parts; the want of comfortable room being, as it was thought, made up by the avoidance of the greater discomfort of your valet close to your side. Hence before Lord Cleveland descended from one door, his own gentleman, Monsieur Dumont, had got out at the other, to be ready to present his arm to his lord.

Lord Cleveland was magnificently arrayed (the weather having now been cold for some days,) in a rich travelling roupe of purple silk, with Brandenbergs highly braided, and he descended with an air of indifference among the crowd of servants who filled the great door-way, yawning violently as he carelessly threw off his wrapper into the hands of Dumont.

Lord Mowbray having sent Clayton forIward to conduct his visitor in, waited for him himself at the head of the grand staircase, and led him through a long and ancient corridor, set thick with arms and armour on both sides, to what was now the drawing-room, but which still sometimes retained its ancient designation of the guard-room.

"Here is the cloth of state," said Lord

Cleveland, looking at the upper end, where was a sort of canopy formed by some antique banners; "but where is the

queen

"If you mean Lady Constance," said Lord Mowbray," she cannot be far off.”

"I should have sent on my esquire,” observed Lord Cleveland, "or blown my bugle under the castle walls; yet I saw no warder to answer."

"Those times are over, happily for us," replied Lord Mowbray.

"That you, a Mowbray, should say 'happily!"

"Why yes; for I would rather have my head safe on my shoulders, than at the mercy of another. No! no! my good lord, depend upon it, ministerial influence is better than baronial power. But pray tell me, how is the minister? still gouty? still complaining?"

"Absolutely bedridden," replied Lord Cleveland," and what is worse, there is no approaching him. Nay, it is said, but I have not ascertained it," then lowering his voice in Lord Mowbray's ear, as Clayton was present-added, ❝ refused a visit from the king."

"Astonishing!" exclaimed Lord Mowbray; "I fear he breaks much, both in body and mind."

"It is thought he will not last till parliament meet," observed Cleveland," and then, who will in your opinion succeed ?"

"Ah! my good lord,” replied Lord Mowbray, bowing low, and smiling at the same time, " you are more likely to be in that secret than I. Possibly you may have even been consulted."

The Earl did not look displeased, but said nothing on the subject in words. What he did say, was about Statira and Sysigambis, who seemed to start from the tapestry, in a flood of beautiful colouring. This diversion of the conversation did not escape Lord Mowbray, who interchanged looks of meaning with his secretary. Then after a short pause he proceeded, "Whatever the event, I am sure his majesty cannot be in better hands; but I fear you are too idle, that is, too fond of the pleasures of your age."

The Earl bowed again, and again not displeased, but still looking at the tapestry. "That figure of Hæphestion," said he, "seems very fine."

Lord Mowbray and his secretary once more looked at one another, till the former proceeded. "Yes! you are too idle, that is, too much above