The lad has been to me as a son, and seeing his high spirit, and knowing the gentle blood running in his veins, I have done my best so to teach him and so to put him in the way of winning back his father's rank by his sword." "He hath gone far towards it already," the king said, "and methinks may yet gain some share in his father's inheritance," and he glanced at little Mistress Edith Vernon and then smiled at the queen.

"Well, we shall see," he went on.

"Under Sir Walter Manny he will have brave chances of distinguishing himself, and when my son takes the field he shall ride with him.

But I am keeping the hosts waiting.

Bring hither," he said to Earl Talbot, "Clarence Aylmer." The young noble was led up to the king.