The paleness of her complexion, and the careworn, anxious lines of her countenance, were ascribed by the vulgar to studies of no holy cast.

Her reputation for sorcery and witchcraft was daily increasing, and served well the purpose of the discontented barons, whom the rise of her children mortified and enraged.
"Approach, Master--What say you his name is, Richard ?" "Adam Warner," replied the sweet voice of the Duke of Gloucester; "of excellent skill in the mathematics." "Approach, sir, and show us the nature of this notable invention." "I desire nothing better, my lord king," said Adam, boldly; "but first let me crave a small modicum of fuel.

Fire, which is the life of the world, as the wise of old held it, is also the soul of this, my mechanical." "Peradventure," whispered the duchess, "the wizard desireth to consume us." "More likely," replied Richard, in the same undertone, "to consume whatever of treasonable nature may lurk concealed in his engine." "True," said Edward, and then, speaking aloud, "Master Warner," he added, "put thy puppet to its purpose without fire,--we will it." "It is impossible, my lord," said Adam, with a lofty smile.

"Science and nature are more powerful than a king's word." "Do not say that in public, my friend," said Edward, dryly, "or we must hang thee! I would not my subjects were told anything so treasonable.
Howbeit, to give thee no excuse in failure, thou shalt have what thou needest." "But surely not in our presence," exclaimed the duchess.

"This may be a device of the Lancastrians for our perdition." "As you please, belle mere," said Edward, and he motioned to a gentleman, who stood a few paces behind his chair, and who, from the entrance of the mechanician, had seemed to observe him with intense interest.