instructions.

Some of Ralph's manoeuvres were indeed rather antiquated, and
afforded much amusement to Gaston d'Aubricour, who was never weary
of teasing the old seneschal with descriptions of the changes in
the fashion of weapons, tourneys, and machines, and especially
delighted in histories of the marvellous effects of gunpowder.
Ralph would shake his head, vow that it would soon put an end to
all true chivalry, and walk off to furbish his favourite cross-bow,
with many a murmured reflection on the folly of quitting good old
plans, and especially on that of his master, who must needs bring
home a gibing Gascon, when honest English Squires were not scarce.

Very different was the state of the old Keep of Lynwood from the
quiet, almost deserted condition, in which it had been left so long,
now that the Knight had again taken his wonted place amongst the
gentry of the county. Entertainments were exchanged with his
neighbours, hunting and hawking matches, and all the sports of the
tilt-yard, followed each other in quick succession, and the summer
passed merrily away. Merrily, that is to say, with Sir Reginald,
whose stirring life in camp and court had left him but few and
short intervals for enjoying his home and the society of his wife;
with Eleanor, who, relieved from long anxiety, began to recover
the spirits and health which had nearly failed her; and with Eustace,
to whom the arrival of his brother and his followers brought a
continued course of novelty and delight; but less joyously with
the Knight's followers, who regretted more and more the gay court
of Bordeaux, and grew impatient at the prospect of spending a
tedious winter in a peaceful English castle.