And, following these erratic severities to the suspected nobles, proclamations giving privileges to the people, and removing taxes.

But in a few days these were imposed again, and men who dared to murmur were beaten by the soldiers, or cast into the dungeons.

Yet Prince Louis (the family were all of the same name) was not an ill-meaning man; he often meant well, but had no stability or firmness of purpose.
This was why Felix dreaded lest some chance listener should hear Oliver abuse him.

Oliver had been in the army for some time; his excellence in all arms, and especially with lance and sword, his acknowledged courage, and his noble birth, entitled him to a command, however lowly it might be.

But he was still in the ranks, and not the slightest recognition had ever been taken of his feats, except, indeed, if whispers were true, by some sweet smiles from a certain lady of the palace, who admired knightly prowess.
Oliver chafed under this neglect.
"I would not say that kind of thing," remarked Felix.