Knight's son."

He then settled the reins in the child's hand, and walked beside
him to meet the new-comers. They were about twenty in number, armed
alike with corselets marked with the blue cross, steel headpieces,
and long lances. In front rode two of higher rank. The first was
a man of noble mien and lofty stature, his short dark curled hair
and beard, and handsome though sunburnt countenance, displayed
beneath his small blue velvet cap, his helmet being carried behind
him by a man-at-arms, and his attire consisting of a close-fitting
dress of chamois leather, a white mantle embroidered with the blue
cross thrown over one shoulder, and his sword hanging by his side.
His companion, who carried at his saddle-bow a shield blazoned with
heraldic devices in scarlet and gold, was of still greater height,
and very slight; his large keen eyes, hair and moustache, black as
jet; and his complexion dark brown, with a well-formed aquiline nose,
and a perfect and very white set of teeth.

The instant the first-mentioned horseman perceived Eustace and
Arthur, he sprang to the ground and hurried to meet them with
rapid affectionate greetings and inquiries. In another moment
Dame Eleanor appeared on the drawbridge, and, weeping with
joy, was clasped in her husband's arms. Behind her stood the
venerable chaplain, Father Cyril, and a step or two further off,
Ralph Penrose, both of whom in turn received the kindly greetings
of Sir Reginald Lynwood, as, with his wife hanging on his arm and
his boy holding his hand, he passed under the gateway of his
ancestral castle. Turning the next moment, he addressed his tall
companion: "Friend Gaston, I bid you welcome! Dame Eleanor, and
you, brother Eustace, I present to you my trusty Esquire, Master