And his mother saw that little Martin was taught the simple truths
and precepts of Christianity; more she asked not; nor at his age
did he need it.

But here was a soil ready for the good seed.

______________________________________________________________


The weather continued fine, so after mass the earl and his squire
started for Lewes, taking the two boys with him, Hubert and Martin.
That night they were the guests of John, Earl of Warrenne {5},
who, although he did not agree with the politics of Simon de
Montfort, could not refuse the rites of hospitality.

On the morrow, resuming their route, they left the towers of Lewes
behind them as they pursued the northern road. Once or twice the
earl turned and looked behind him, at the castle and the downs
which encircled the old town, with a puzzled and serious expression
of face.

"Stephen," he said to his squire; "I cannot tell what ails me, but
there is an impression on my mind which I cannot shake off."

"My lord?"

"That yon castle and those hills, which I seem to have seen in a
dream, are associated with my future fate, for weal or woe."