rather that I were with some simple knight than with a great noble, for
that in the rivalries between these there might be troubles come upon the
land, and maybe even civil strife; that one who might hold his head
highest of all one day might on the morrow have it struck off with the
executioner's axe, and that at any rate it were best at present to live
quietly and see how matters went before taking any step that would bind me
to the fortunes of one man more than another."

"Your father speaks wisely. 'Tis not often that men who live in books, and
spend their time in pouring over mouldy parchments, and in well-nigh
suffocating themselves with stinking fumes have common sense in worldly
matters. But when I have conversed with your father, I have always found
that, although he takes not much interest in public affairs at present, he
is marvellously well versed in our history, and can give illustrations in
support of what he says. Well, whenever the time comes that he thinks it
good for you to leave his fireside and venture out into the world, you
have but to come to me, and I will, so far as is in my power, further your
designs."

"I thank you most heartily, Sir Ralph, and glad am I to have been of
service to Albert, who has been almost as a brother to me since we first
met at St. Alwyth."

"I would go over and see your father, and have a talk with him about you,
but I ride to London to-morrow, and may be forced to tarry there for some
time. When I return I will wait upon him and have a talk as to his plans
for you. Now, I doubt not, you would all rather be wandering about the
garden than sitting here with us, so we will detain you no longer."

"Albert, I am very angry with you and Master Ormskirk that you did not