When the shopping was completed they returned to their lodgings. Here they
partook of a meal, after which Sir Ralph went to the Tower, while his wife
and daughter, fatigued by their day's journey, speedily betook themselves
to their beds. The lads sat talking for some time over the events of the
day.

"I fear, Edgar," Albert said, presently, "that from my father choosing for
me so light a coloured suit, instead of a graver hue like that which you
selected, he has hopes that I shall not go into the Church after all."

"Well, why should you, Albert? You are gaining in strength, and I doubt
not that you will yet grow into a strong man. Of course as long as you
were weak and delicate, and, as it seemed, would never be able to bear the
weight of armour, it was but natural that he should regard a life in the
Church as one that was best fitted for you, and that you yourself would be
perfectly willing to follow that profession, but now it is wholly
different; besides, even if at present you may not wish, as I do, to be a
soldier, you may well become a wise councillor, and hold high position at
Court. There are few young nobles, indeed, who have so much education as
you, and surely such a life would be better than burying yourself in a
cloister."

Albert was silent for some time. "Do you really think, Edgar," he said, at
last, "that I shall be ever able to bear arms with credit? To become a
councillor, one must needs be a courtier, and I am sure that a life at
Court would suit me no better than it would suit you, therefore that
thought I must put aside. My tastes are all for a quiet life in the
country, and you know I could be very happy living at home as I have done
from my childhood. But if I am to be in the world I must bear my part, and
if needs be follow the king to battle, and unless I could do my duty