Gervaise at once laid down his mantle, removed his doublet, and then
joined the others. There was but one half hour remaining before
they broke off to go to dinner, which was at half past ten, but
the time sufficed to show the young pages that this English lad
was the equal of all -- except two or three of the oldest -- both
in strength and in knowledge of arms. He could climb the rope
with any of them, could vault on to the wooden horse with a heavy
cuirass and backpiece on him, and held his own in a bout with
swords against Conrad von Berghoff, who was considered the best
swordplayer among them. As soon as the exercises were over all
proceeded to the bath, and then to dinner. The meal was a simple
one, but Gervaise enjoyed it thoroughly, for the table was loaded
with an abundance of fruits of kinds altogether novel to him, and
which he found delicious.

The official in charge of them sat at the head of the table, and
the meal was eaten in silence. After it was over and they had
retired to their own rooms discipline was at an end, and they were
free to amuse themselves as they liked. There were many questions
to be asked and answered, but his display of strength and skill
in the courtyard saved Gervaise from a good deal of the teasing to
which a newcomer among a party of boys is always exposed.

He, on his part, learnt that the duties of the pages were very light.
Two only were on duty each day, being in constant attendance on
the grand master, and accompanying him wherever he went. When he
dined in public four of them waited on him at table, and one of
them performed the duties of taster. If he returned to the palace
after dark, six others lined the staircase with torches. On occasions
of state ceremony, and at the numerous religious festivals, all