I can warmly commend them to you.

Though they are young I can guarantee that you will find them, if it comes to blows, as useful as most men ten years their senior; and on any mission that you may intrust to them, I think that you can rely upon their discretion; but of that you will judge for yourself, when you know somewhat more of them.

They will take with them eight men-at-arms, all of whom will be stout fellows; so that, with your own men, you can traverse the country without fear of any party you are likely to fall in with." "I shall be glad to have your cousin and his kinsman with me," D'Arblay said courteously.

"Between you and I, De la Noue, I would infinitely rather have two bright young fellows of spirit than one of our tough old warriors, who deem it sinful to smile, and have got a text handy for every occasion.

It is not a very bright world for us, at present; and I see not the use of making it sadder, by always wearing a gloomy countenance." The next morning the party started, and rode south.