the evening before he was to leave, "and I see in you the making
of a valiant knight of the Order. Maintain the same spirit you
have shown here; be obedient and reverent to your superiors; give
your whole mind to your duties; strive earnestly during the three
or four years that your pagedom will last, to perfect yourself in
military exercises, that when the time comes for you to buckle on
armour you will be able to bear yourself worthily. Remember that you
will have to win your knighthood, for the Order does not bestow
this honour, and you must remain a professed knight until you
receive it at the hands of some distinguished warrior. Ever bear
in mind that you are a soldier of the Cross. Avoid luxury, live
simply and modestly; be not led away by others, upon whom their
vows may sit but lightly; keep ever in your mind that you have
joined the Order neither to gain fame nor personal advantage, but
simply that you may devote the strength and the intelligence that
God has given you to protect Christendom from the advance of the
infidel. I shall hear of you from time to time from D'Aubusson,
and feel sure that the expectations I have formed of you will be
fulfilled."



CHAPTER III THE GRAND MASTER'S PAGE


The grand prior had, in accordance with Dame Tresham's request,
sent the steward of the house to one of the principal jewellers
of the city who, as the Order were excellent customers, paid a good
price for her jewels. After the payment for the numerous dresses
required for the service as a page to the grand master, the grand