He is like to become a knight, before long--Alwyn said that the lad was sure to win his spurs--and it would be well that he should not slip out of the memory of folks here.

Besides, we have his cousins, and it is well that they should carry back news that, in spite of the troublous times, we can yet be merry on suitable occasions.
"The cost will not be very great.

The meat can scarcely be counted, seeing that we have as many cattle on the moor as can pick up a living there.

Moreover, our neighbours all gave us a helping hand, to repair the hold after it was sacked last year, and 'tis but right that we should hold some sort of gathering, and this will do for the two purposes." The last argument had more weight with John Forster than the former ones.

Once having consented, he took as much interest in it as did his wife; and dug up the pot in which he stowed away any sums that remained, at the end of each year, over and above the expenses of the hold; and provided all that was required, without stinting.
Three days after the gathering, the Armstrongs returned home, and Oswald rode with Roger to Alnwick.