belonged to the families of the highest nobility of England, it being
deemed a distinguished honour to be received as a squire by the most
gallant knight at the court of England. Their duties were, as Walter soon
learned, almost nominal, these being discharged almost exclusively by John
Mervaux. Two of the young esquires, Richard Coningsby and Edward Clifford,
had fought in the melee, having been among the ten leaders under Clarence
Aylmer. They bore no malice for the defeat, but received Walter with
cordiality and kindness, as did the other young men. Walter on his arrival
acquainted the knight with Ralph's wish to follow him, and requested
permission for him to do so. This was readily granted, Sir Walter Manny
telling the lad that although esquires were supposed to wait entirely upon
themselves, to groom their horses, and keep their armour and arms bright
and in good order, yet, in point of fact, young men of good families had
the greater part of these duties performed for them by a retainer who rode
in the ranks of their master's following as a man-at-arms.

"The other esquires have each one of their father's retainers with them,
and I am glad that you should be in the same position. After you have taken
your midday meal you had best go across to the Earl of Talbot's and inquire
for the Lady Vernon, who is still staying with him. She told me at the
king's ball last night that she wished to have speech with you, and I
promised to acquaint you with her desire. By the way, dost know aught of
riding?"

"I have learnt to sit on a horse, Sir Walter," the lad answered. "My good
friend Geoffrey, the armourer, advised that I should learn, and frequently
hired from the horse-dealer an animal for my use. I have often backed
half-broken horses which were brought up by graziers from Kent and Sussex
for use in the wars. Many of them abode at the hostels at Southwark, and
willingly enough granted me permission to ride their horses until they were