"Then the better for us," cried Nigel, "since there is at least
one honorable venture which is all our own."

Chandos chuckled and turned upon the flushed youth a twinkling and
sympathetic eye. "You have a fashion of speech which carries me
back to the old men whom I met in my boyhood," said he. "There
were some of the real old knight-errants left in those days, and
they spoke as you do. Young as you are, you belong to another
age. Where got you that trick of thought and word?"

"I have had only one to teach me, the Lady Ermyntrude."

"Pardieu! she has trained a proper young hawk ready to stoop at a
lordly quarry," said Chandos. "I would that I had the first
unhooding of you. Will you not ride with me to the wars?"

The tears brimmed over from Nigel's eyes, and he wrung the gaunt
hand extended from the bath. "By Saint Paul! what could I ask
better in the world? I fear to leave her, for she has none other
to care for her. But if it can in any way be arranged--"

"The King's hand may smooth it out. Say no more until he is here.
But if you wish to ride with me--"

"What could man wish for more? Is there a Squire in England who
would not serve under the banner of Chandos! Whither do you go,
fair sir? And when do you go? Is it to Scotland? Is it to
Ireland? Is it to France? But alas, alas!"