The Lances of Lynwood

en the more turbulent spirits among his subjects had found occupation in his foreign wars, and his wise government had esta

ces were kept up rather as appendages of the owner's rank, than as requisite for his protection; though the moat was clear of weeds, and full of water, the drawbridge was so well covered with hard-trodden earth, overgrown at the edges with grass, that, in spite of the massive chains connecting it with the gateway, it seemed permanently fixed on the ground. The spikes of the portcullis frowned above in threatening array, but a wreath of ivy was twining up the groove by

ion, towards the Lady who stood on the steps of the porch. She was small and fragile in figure; her face, though very lovely, was pale and thin, and her smile had in it something pensive and almost melancholy, as she listened to his nar

am holding the reins myself. Uncle

ur noble Knight, being deficient in his dues in his absence. I told him we should see how he liked to be sent packing to Bordeaux with a sheaf of arrows on his back, inst

y. "It is a weary while since the wounded a

must be the nearer at hand. Come sweet sister

r hope," said Eleanor. "And when he comes it will be but a bright dream

w I begin my days of chivalry-that is, if he wi

. "There was Sir Henry-at your age he had made the Scottish thieves look about them, I promise you. And to

s much, Ralph," said Eustace. "It is not f

t, to make a good Knight," said Ralph. "And yet, while I think of the

a comparison which did not seem likely to be

ew, rode across the drawbridge as fast as the stiffened joints of old Blanc Etoile could be prevailed on to move. Gaining the summit of a rising ground, both at once shou

Eustace, leaping to the ground. "Keep your seat,

hair and beard, and handsome though sunburnt countenance, displayed beneath his small blue velvet cap, his helmet being carried behind him by a man-at-arms, and his attire consisting of a close-fitting dress of chamois leather, a white mantle embroidered with the blue cross thrown over one shoulder, and his sword hanging b

ped in her husband's arms. Behind her stood the venerable chaplain, Father Cyril, and a step or two further off, Ralph Penrose, both of whom in turn received the kindly greetings of Sir Reginald Lynwood, as, with his wife hanging on his arm and his boy holdin

t Reginald and Eleanor had much to say to each other, and his curiosity and interest were, besides, greatly excited by the novelty of the scene presented by the castle court, so different from its usual peaceful monotony. The men were unsaddling their horses,

essing little satisfaction at finding another authority in the court of Lynwood Keep; the references to himself short, brief, and rapid, and only made when ignorance of the locality compelled the stranger to apply for information. The French accent and occasional French phrases with which the Squire spoke, made him contract his brow mor

few steps of the stranger, stood waiting to offer him any courtesy in his power, though at the sa

ld fortalice-would stand at least a fortnight's siege. Ha! Is not yonder a weak point? I wo

l never be trie

te teeth with a merry laugh; "the state of my own land has taught me to look on every castle with eyes for att

s?" asked Eustace, looking up in his face with

e Count de Bearn, I have seen little else-three stricken f

ave seen nothing but the m

one year at Bordeaux is worth four elsewhere. But I forget, you are the young clerk; an

how my brother that I am fit for his own way of life. Sir Squire, do b

army. Nor does height reckon for much; Du Guesclin himself is of the shortest. Nor do you look like the boy ov

e, shaded with bright chestnut hair, was of a delicate complexion, the features finely moulded, and the usual cast of expression slightly thoughtful; but there was frequently, and especially

cluded his inspection. "I'll have the training of you, my gentil damoiseau, and see if I do no

owed his example, and acquitted himself to his satisfaction in one or two