“Lead on,” he ordered; “we follow.”

When they entered the hall the Duke was already seated on the dais, surrounded by the officers of his household.  On the right, De Lacy recognized Sir Robert Wallingford, to whom, as Constable of Pontefract, he had been conducted upon his arrival; but the others he was not able to identify, although, of course, he knew by reputation several who should be among them.  The chair on Richard’s left was unoccupied, and he motioned for De Lacy to take it.

“Sit you here,” he said. . . .  “Gentlemen, I present Sir Aymer de Lacy.  He is fresh from London and, I doubt not, can give you much news of the Court and Capital.”

All arose and bowed to De Lacy, who bowed back at them.

“My knowledge, such as it is,” said he, “is freely yours.  Yet as I was only a few weeks in London my budget may be very meagre.  But if you will ask, I will gladly tell you what I know.”

And they did not hesitate to ask, and he was kept busy answering questions upon every conceivable subject, from the details of the funeral of the dead King to the fashion of the latest gown.  Indeed it was not until the meal was almost over that he had an opportunity for a word aside to the Duke.

“May I ask Your Grace the name of the fair-haired man yonder?” he said.

“I cry pardon,” Richard exclaimed.  “I forgot you were a stranger in England.  He is my Chamberlain, Sir William Catesby. . .  The black-moustached Knight with the scar on his forehead, who has just put down his wine glass, is Sir Richard Ratcliffe. . .  The elderly man beside him with the gray hair and ruddy countenance is Sir Robert Brackenbury. . .  The one with the thin, dark face and broad shoulders is Lord Darby of Roxford.—­The rest are younger men and of less prominence. . .  The one beside Darby is Sir Ralph de Wilton, next to him is Sir James Dacre, and on Dacre’s left is Sir Henry de Vivonne.”

He pushed back his chair and arose.

“Gentlemen,” said he, “you are excused from further attendance.”  Then he called to De Wilton.

“Sir Ralph,” he said, “Sir Aymer de Lacy is of the Household.  Give him some idea of his duties, and then sponsor him in Her Grace’s presence chamber.”

And Aymer liked De Wilton on the instant, with his courteous manner and frank, gracious smile, and for an hour or more they sat in pleasant conversation.  Then Sir Ralph was summoned to the Duke, and De Lacy, postponing, perforce, his presentation to the Duchess’ household until the morrow, went for a stroll on the ramparts.