end. However, there is no occasion definitely to settle for another year
yet, but I will tell my father to-morrow that if at the end of that time
he deems that I have so far continued to gain in strength that he may
consider me not unworthy to represent our name in the field, I shall be
ready to submit myself to his wishes, while, upon the other hand, should
he think me, as before, better fitted for the Church. I will enter it at
once."

"I am glad, indeed, to hear you say so, Albert. I think that there is no
reason to doubt that you will continue to gain strength, and will prove
worthy of your name."

Accordingly, the next morning Albert asked his father to accompany him
into the garden, and there detailed to him the conversation that he had
had with Edgar, and its result.

"Glad indeed am I, Albert, that this should have come about," the knight
said, laying his hand on the lad's shoulder. "What your friend said to you
has often been in my mind. It was a sore thought, my son. There have ever
been De Courcys on the battle-roll of England since our ancestor fought at
Hastings; and I might well feel grieved at the thought that it might
possibly appear there no more, and the pleasure that you have given me is
more than I can express. I will not allow myself to fear that, now you
have made so fair a start, you will fail to gather fresh strength and
vigour, and I will wager that you will bear our banner as forward in the
fight as those who have gone before you.

"I blame myself deeply that I have misjudged you so long. Had I
encouraged, instead of slighting, you, you might long since have begun to
gain strength, and might early have commenced the exercises that are so