"I will bear your instructions in mind, father, and indeed they accord
with what you before said to me, and which I determined to make a guide to
my conduct."

"Now you had better see to the packing of your valise. It will not be
necessary for you to take many things, as you can equip yourself in
London."

An hour later, Edgar, after bidding farewell to his father, mounted his
horse. "I shall look to see you back again in two or three weeks at the
longest," Mr. Ormskirk said; "it is better to come home, even if you go
again shortly, though it may be that you will have no occasion for another
visit to town for some time to come. If Sir Ralph would keep you longer it
were best to make some excuse to return. I know that there are many at
Court but little older than yourself, for the king, being as yet scarcely
fifteen, naturally likes to surround himself with those who are not
greatly older, and who have the same love for pleasure and gaiety, but
such associates will do you no good, though I say not that a little of it
might not be of advantage, seeing that you are somewhat more grave than is
natural at your age, owing to the life that you have led here with me.
Young De Courcy--although I have greatly encouraged your companionship
with him, for he is a very pleasant and agreeable young gentleman--is too
gentle, and lacking in high spirits, which has increased, rather than
diminished, your tendency to silence, and a little companionship with more
ardour would not be amiss. You must remember that a cheerful spirit that
enables a man to support hardship and fatigue lightly, and to animate his
soldiers by his example, is one of the most important characteristics of a
leader of men."