Harcourt himself thought no more of the matter, though he laughingly told Gervaise that Rivers was by no means gratified at their both attaining the honour of secular knighthood, which virtually placed them over his head.
"He is not a nice fellow," Gervaise said.

"But naturally it must be galling to him, and to a good many others who have not yet had the chance of distinguishing themselves.

I think it is very good of them that they are all so kind and cordial.

Of course it is otherwise with you, who are as old as most of the other professed knights serving here; but with me it is quite different, and as Rivers, somehow, has never been very friendly with me, of course it is doubly galling to him.

I hope he will soon get an opportunity of winning his spurs too." "That is just like you, Tresham.