In the meantime, Sir Philip Ashton was, with many polite speeches, entering upon the business of his visit, which was to request Sir Reginald to admit his son into his train as an Esquire.  The Knight of Lynwood, though not very desirous of this addition to his followers, could not well refuse him, in consideration of the alliance which had long subsisted between the two houses; but he mentioned his own purpose of quitting the Prince’s court as soon as the present expedition should be concluded.

“That,” said Sir Philip, softly, “will scarce be likely.  Such Knights as Sir Reginald Lynwood are not so easily allowed to hide themselves in obscurity.  The Prince of Wales knows too well the value of his right-hand counsellor.”

“Nay, Sir Philip,” said Sir Reginald, laughing, “that is rather too fine a term for a rough soldier, who never was called into counsel at all, except for the arraying a battle.  It would take far sharper wits than mine, or, indeed, I suspect, than any that we have at Bordeaux, to meet the wiles of Charles of France.  No, unless the Royal Banner be abroad in the field, you may look to see me here before another year is out.”

“I shall hope it may be otherwise, for my boy’s sake,” said Sir Philip.  “But be that as it may, his fame will be secured by his going forth for the first time with such a leader as yourself.  The example and friendship of your brother will also be of the utmost service.  Your chief Squire too—­so perfect in all chivalrous training, and a foreigner—­who better could be found to train a poor Somersetshire clown for the Prince’s Gascon court?”

“Why, for that matter,” interrupted Sir Reginald, whose patience would seldom serve his to the end of one of his neighbour’s harangues, “it may be honest to tell you that though Gaston is a kindly-tempered fellow, and of right knightly bearing, his life has been none of the most steady.  I took up with him a couple of years since, when poor old Humfrey Harwood was slain at Auray, and I knew not where to turn for a Squire.  Save for a few wild freaks now and then, he has done right well, though I sometimes marvelled at his choosing to endure my strict household.  He obeys my orders, and has made himself well liked by the men, and I willingly trust Eustace with him, since the boy is of a grave clerkly sort of turn, and under my own eye; but it is for you to do as you will with your son.”

“Is he of honourable birth?” asked Sir Philip.

“At least he bears coat armour,” answered Reginald.  “His shield is gules, a wolf passant, or, and I have heard strange tales of his father, Beranger d’Aubricour, the Black Wolf of the Pyrenees, as he was called, one of the robber noblesse of the Navarrese border; but I have little time for such matters, and they do not dwell in my mind.  If I find a man does his duty in my service, I care not whence he comes, nor what his forefathers may have been.  I listen to no such idle tales; but I thought it best to warn you that I answer not for all the comrades your son may find in my troop.”