him an inexhaustible subject of study. The Squire was presented
by name to Sir Philip, received a polite compliment, and replying
with a bow, turned to the youth with the ready courtesy of one
willing to relieve the shyness of an awkward stranger. "We were
but now discussing the merit between damasked steel and chain mail,
what opinion do you bring to aid us?" A renewed stare, an
inarticulate muttering, and Master Leonard turned away and almost
hid his face in the mane of his horse, whilst his father attempted
to make up for his incivility by a whole torrent of opinions, to
which Gaston listened with the outward submission due from a Squire,
but with frequent glances, accompanied by a tendency to elevate
shoulder or eyebrow, which Eustace understood full well to convey
that the old gentleman knew nothing whatever on the subject.

This concluded, Sir Philip went to pay his respects to the Lady of
Lynwood, and then, as the hour of noon had arrived, all partook of
the meal, which was served in the hall, the Squires waiting on the
Knights and the Lady before themselves sitting down to table.

It was the influence of dinner that first unchained the silent
tongue of Leonard Ashton, when he found himself seated next to
his old acquaintance, Eustace Lynwood, out of hearing of those
whose presence inspired him with shyness, and the clatter of
knives and trenchers drowning his voice.

"So your brother has let you bear sword after all. How like you
the trade? Better than poring over crabbed parchments, I trow.
But guess you why we are here to-day? My father says that I must
take service with some honourable Knight, and see somewhat of the
world. He spoke long of the Lord de Clarenham, because his favour