CHAPTER L.

HENRY BEAUCLERC:--Personal appearance of Beauclerc--A native of England--His manners--His learning--Military education--Addicted to gaming--Beauclerc's avarice--Beauclerc lends money to Curthose--Lord of Cotentin--Selection of a chaplain--Takes part with Curthose in the defence of Normandy--Firm dealing at Rouen--Curthose comes to terms with Rufus--They besiege Henry in the Castle of Mont St. Michael--The Red King in danger--Defence of the saddle--Want of water in the fortress--Curthose grants permission to Beauclerc to get water--Beauclerc defeated--Departs to Brittany--Beauclerc feels assured he will ascend the throne of England--Is elected governor of Damfront--Rufus, jealous of Beauclerc, invites him to England--Joins his brother--Fondness for the chase--"Deersfoot"--Presentiments