"That," said Sir Philip, softly, "will scarce be likely. Such
Knights as Sir Reginald Lynwood are not so easily allowed to hide
themselves in obscurity. The Prince of Wales knows too well the
value of his right-hand counsellor."

"Nay, Sir Philip," said Sir Reginald, laughing, "that is rather too
fine a term for a rough soldier, who never was called into counsel
at all, except for the arraying a battle. It would take far sharper
wits than mine, or, indeed, I suspect, than any that we have at
Bordeaux, to meet the wiles of Charles of France. No, unless the
Royal Banner be abroad in the field, you may look to see me here
before another year is out."

"I shall hope it may be otherwise, for my boy's sake," said Sir
Philip. "But be that as it may, his fame will be secured by his
going forth for the first time with such a leader as yourself. The
example and friendship of your brother will also be of the utmost
service. Your chief Squire too--so perfect in all chivalrous
training, and a foreigner--who better could be found to train a
poor Somersetshire clown for the Prince's Gascon court?"

"Why, for that matter," interrupted Sir Reginald, whose patience
would seldom serve his to the end of one of his neighbour's
harangues, "it may be honest to tell you that though Gaston is a
kindly-tempered fellow, and of right knightly bearing, his life
has been none of the most steady. I took up with him a couple
of years since, when poor old Humfrey Harwood was slain at Auray,
and I knew not where to turn for a Squire. Save for a few wild
freaks now and then, he has done right well, though I sometimes
marvelled at his choosing to endure my strict household. He