"I thank your Majesty for your kindness," Edgar said, bowing; "but indeed
I should not presume to judge amusements as frivolous because I myself
might be unused to them; but in truth two years ago I studied at the
convent of St. Alwyth, and my spare time then and most of my time since
has been so occupied by my exercises in arms that I have had but small
opportunity for learning the ways of Courts, but I hope to do so, seeing
that a good knight should bear himself as well at Court as in the field."

"You will have small opportunity now", the king said, rather dolefully.
"Our royal mother is absent, and our talk is all of riots and troubles,
and none seem even to think of pleasure."

After leaving the king Sir Ralph presented his son and Edgar to Sir
Michael de la Pole, who held high office; Robert de Vere, one of the
king's special favourites; and several other young nobles, who all
received them kindly for the sake of Sir Ralph.




CHAPTER V

A RESCUE


"Perhaps, boys, you could hardly have been introduced at Court better than
by myself," the knight said, as they returned to the lodgings. "There are
men much more highly placed, many more influential than I am, but for that
very reason I can be friends with all. The king's mother is always most
courteous to me, because I was the friend of the Black Prince, her