But Hob interrupted the reminiscences by bringing up the pony on
which Anne had ridden, and insisting that the lady should not tarry
longer. 'He,' indicating Hal, might walk beside her through the
wood, and thus prolong their interview, but, as she well knew, it was
entirely unsafe to remain any longer away from the castle.

There were embraces and sobbing thanks exchanged between the lady and
her son's old nurse, and then Hal, at a growling hint from Hob, came
forward, and awkwardly helped her to her saddle. He walked by her
side through the wood, holding her rein, while Hob, going before, did
his best in the twilight to clear away the tangled branches and
brambles that fell across the path, and were near of striking the
lady across the face as she rode.

On the way she talked to her son about his remembrances, anxious to
know how far his dim recollections went of the old paternal castle in
Bedfordshire, of his infant sister and brother, and his father. Of
him he had little recollection, only of being lifted in his arms,
kissed and blessed, and seeing him ride away with his troop, clanking
in their armour. After that he remembered nothing, save the being
put into a homelier dress, and travelling on Nurse Dolly's lap in a
wain, up and down, it seemed to him, for ever, till at last clearer
recollections awoke in him, and he knew himself as Hal the shepherd's
boy, with the sheep around him, and the blue starry sky above him.

'Dost thou remember what thou wast called in those times?' asked his
mother.

'I was always Hal. The little one was Meg,' he said.