Gaston is the gentlest of tutors compared with him."

"I hope so!" sighed Leonard; "my very bones ache with the tutoring
I get from my father at home. And, Eustace, resolve me this--"

"Hush, do not you see that Father Cyril is about to pronounce the
Grace--. There--now must I go and serve your father with the grace-
cup, but I will be with you anon."

Leonard put his elbow on the table, mumbling to himself, "And
these of Eustace's be the courtly manners my father would have
me learn; they cost a great deal too much trouble!"

The meal over, Eustace took Leonard into the court to visit the
horses and inspect the new armour. They were joined by Gaston,
who took upon himself to reply to the question which Leonard wished
to have resolved, namely, what they were to do in Castile, by
persuading him to believe that Enrique of Trastamare was a giant
twenty feet high, who rode a griffin of proportionate dimensions,
and led an army whose heads grew under their shoulders.

In the meantime, Sir Philip Ashton was, with many polite speeches,
entering upon the business of his visit, which was to request Sir
Reginald to admit his son into his train as an Esquire. The Knight
of Lynwood, though not very desirous of this addition to his
followers, could not well refuse him, in consideration of the
alliance which had long subsisted between the two houses; but he
mentioned his own purpose of quitting the Prince's court as soon
as the present expedition should be concluded.