express. His mother and I have observed during the last two years that he
has gained greatly in health and has widened out in the shoulders. I
understand now how it has come about. We have never questioned him about
it; indeed, I should as soon have thought of asking him whether he had
made up his mind to become king, as whether he had begun to use a sword.
Why, I see that you have taught him already some of the tricks that you
have just learnt."

"I have not had time to instruct him in many of them, Sir Ralph, but I
showed him one or two, and he acquired them so quickly that in another
month I have no doubt he will know them as well as I do."

"By St. George, you have done wonders, Edgar. As for you, Albert, I am as
pleased as if I had heard that the king had made me an earl. Truly,
indeed, did Master Ormskirk tell you that it would do you good to learn to
use a sword. 'Tis not a priest's weapon--although many a priest and bishop
have ridden to battle before now--but it has improved your health and
given you ten years more life than you would be likely to have had without
it. It seemed to me strange that any son of my house should be ignorant as
to how to use a sword, and now I consider that that which seemed to me
almost a disgrace is removed. Knows your mother aught of this?"

"No, sir. When I began I feared that my resolution would soon fade; and
indeed it would have done so had not Edgar constantly encouraged me and
held me to it, though indeed at first it so fatigued me that I could
scarce walk home."

"That I can well understand, my lad. Now you shall come and tell your
mother. I have news for you, dame, that will in no small degree astonish
you," he said, as, followed by the two lads, he returned to the room where