It was a diamond buckle, exquisitely set, and
of great beauty and value; but Sir Norman knew nothing of it.
"There are initials upon it -see there!" said Hubert, pointing,
and still watching him with the same powerful glance. "The
letters C. S. That can't stand for Count L'Estrange."
"Who then can it stand for?" inquired Sir Norman, looking at him
fixedly, and with far more penetration than the court page had
given him credit for. "I am certain you know."
"I suspect!" said the boy, emphatically, "nothing more; and if it
is as I believe, I will bring you news of Leoline before you are
two hours older."
"How am I to know you are not deceiving me, and will not betray
her into the power of the Earl of Rochester - if, indeed, she be
not in his power already."
"She is not in it, and never will be through me! I feel an odd
interest in this matter, and I will be true to you, Sir Norman -
though why I should be, I really don't know. I give you my word
of honor that I will do what I can to find Leoline and restore
her to you; and I have never yet broken my word of honor to any
man," said Hubert, drawing himself up.
"Well, I will trust you, because I cannot do anything better,"
said Sir Norman, rather dolefully; "but why not let me go with
you?"
"No, no! that would never do! I must go alone, and you must
trust me implicitly.
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