thought that her hand may be some day given to one by years or temper
unsuited for her, and it will be a pleasure to me henceforth to picture her
future connected with one who is, I am sure, by heart and nature fitted for
her. And now, farewell, young sir. May God protect you in the field, and
may you carry in the battle which awaits you the gage of my daughter as
fairly and successfully as you did in the mimic fray of yesterday!"



CHAPTER VIII: OFF TO THE WARS


Two days later Walter started with Sir Walter Manny, with a large number of
knights, squires, men-at-arms, and archers, for the Orwell. Walter was
mounted, as were the other squires and men-at-arms, and indeed many of the
archers. Ralph Smith, in the attire of a man-at-arms, rode behind.

Walter was in the highest spirits. A brilliant career was open to him under
the most favourable circumstances; he had already distinguished himself,
and had gained the attention of the highest personages in the realm, his
immediate lord was one of the bravest and most chivalrous knights in
Europe, and he had to sustain and encourage him the hopes that Lady Vernon
had given him, of regaining some day the patrimony of his father. It was a
satisfaction to him that he was as well born as those who surrounded him,
and his purse was well lined as any in the company. Although he had spent
the largess which had been bestowed upon him at the tournament in procuring
clothes fitted for his rank, he was yet abundantly supplied with money, for
both Geoffrey Ward and Giles Fletcher, having no children of their own and
being both well-to-do men, had insisted upon his accepting a sum which
would enable him to make a good appearance with the best.