according to my thinking, is yet a singularly courteous gentleman, and
Albert has taken it from his friend. Well, wife, I shall put this down as
one of my fortunate days, for never have I heard better news than that
which Albert gave me this afternoon."

When Edgar returned home he told his father what had taken place.

"I thought that Sir Ralph would be mightily pleased some day when he heard
that his son had been so zealously working here with you, and I too was
glad to see it. I am altogether without influence to push your fortunes.
Learning I can give you, but I scarce know a man at Court, for while I
lived at Highgate I seldom went abroad, and save for a visit now and then
from some scholar anxious to consult me, scarce a being entered my house.
Therefore, beyond relating to you such matters of history as it were well
for you to know, and by telling you of the deeds of Caesar and other great
commanders, I could do naught for you."

"You have done a great deal for me, father. You have taught me more of
military matters, and of the history of this country, and of France and
Italy, than can be known to most people, and will assuredly be of much
advantage to me in the future."

"That may be so, Edgar, but the great thing is to make the first start,
and here I could in no way aid you. I have often wondered how this matter
could be brought about, and now you have obtained a powerful friend; for
although Sir Ralph De Courcy is but a simple knight, with no great
heritage, his wife is a daughter of Lord Talbot, and he himself is one of
the most valiant of the nobles and knights who fought so stoutly in France
and Spain, and as such is known to, and respected by, all those who bore a
part in those wars. He therefore can do for you the service that of all