lads to another hard by.

"What can I serve you with, sir knight?"

"I require two suits for my son and this gentleman, his friend," Sir Ralph
said. "I desire clothes befitting a presentation to the king, and wish
them to be of the fashion, but not extravagantly so."

At the trader's orders his apprentices showed numerous samples, most of
them light and bright in colour.

"I want something more sober in hue," the knight said. "These are well
enough for men with long purses, and who can afford ample provision of
garments, but they would show every spot and stain, and would soon be past
wearing; besides, although doubtless such as are mostly used at Court,
they would be useful for that only, for in the country they would be far
too conspicuous for wear."

Other goods were brought down, and Edgar's eye at once fixed upon a rich
maroon. Sir Ralph took longer before he made his choice for Albert, but
finally fixed upon a somewhat light blue, which well suited the lad's fair
complexion and light golden hair. While they were choosing, the mercer had
sent into his neighbour, a tailor, who now measured them. The goods were
of satin, and both suits were to be made in precisely similar fashion,
namely, a close-fitting tunic reaching down only to the hips. They had
loose hanging sleeves, lined with white silk, which was turned over and
scolloped; the hose, which were of the same colour as the doublets, were
tight fitting.

The caps were to match the dresses in colour. They were turned up at the