The aged almost always sympathize with the enjoyments of youth and with its exertions of every kind, when the mind of the spectator rests on its natural poise and is not disturbed by inward envy or idle emulation.
Quentin Durward also, while thus agreeably employed, could do no otherwise than discover that the countenance of his entertainer, which he had at first found so unprepossessing, mended when it was seen under the influence of the Vin de Beaulne, and there was kindness in the tone with which he reproached Maitre Pierre, that he amused himself with laughing at his appetite, without eating anything himself.
"I am doing penance," said Maitre Pierre, "and may not eat anything before noon, save some comfiture and a cup of water .-- Bid yonder lady," he added, turning to the innkeeper, "bring them hither to me." The innkeeper left the room, and Maitre Pierre proceeded, "Well, have I kept faith with you concerning the breakfast I promised you ?" "The best meal I have eaten," said the youth, "since I left Glen Houlakin." "Glen--what ?" demanded Maitre Pierre.

"Are you going to raise the devil, that you use such long tailed words ?" "Glen Houlakin," answered Quentin good humouredly, "which is to say the Glen of the Midges, is the name of our ancient patrimony, my good sir.
You have bought the right to laugh at the sound, if you please." "I have not the least intention to offend," said the old man; "but I was about to say, since you like your present meal so well, that the Scottish Archers of the guard eat as good a one, or a better, every day." "No wonder," said Durward; "for if they be shut up in the swallows' nests all night, they must needs have a curious appetite in the morning." "And plenty to gratify it upon," said Maitre Pierre.

"They need not, like the Burgundians, choose a bare back, that they may have a full belly--they dress like counts, and feast like abbots." "It is well for them," said Durward.
"And wherefore will you not take service here, young man?
Your uncle might, I dare say, have you placed on the file when there should a vacancy occur.

And, hark in your ear, I myself have some little interest, and might be of some use to you.

You can ride, I presume, as well as draw the bow ?" "Our race are as good horsemen as ever put a plated shoe into a steel stirrup; and I know not but I might accept of your kind offer.