I am glad indeed that he hath one who can set him so
fair an example for a friend."
"I thank you for your courtesy, good father Abbot," said Chandos
carelessly. "This young Squire has, however, a better friend than
myself, one who is kinder to those he loves and more terrible to
those he hates. It is from him I bear a message."
"I pray you, fair and honored sir," said Nigel, "that you will
tell me what is the message that you bear."
"The message, mon ami, is that your friend comes into these parts
and would have a night's lodging at the manor house of Tilford for
the love and respect that he bears your family."
"Nay, he is most welcome," said Nigel, "and yet I hope that he is
one who can relish a soldier's fare and sleep under a humble roof,
for indeed we can but give our best, poor as it is."
"He is indeed a soldier and a good one," Chandos answered,
laughing, "and I warrant he has slept in rougher quarters than
Tilford Manor-house."
"I have few friends, fair sir," said Nigel, with a puzzled face.
"I pray you give me this gentleman's name."
"His name is Edward."
"Sir Edward Mortimer of Kent, perchance, or is it Sir Edward
Brocas of whom the Lady Ermyntrude talks?"
"Nay, he is known as Edward only, and if you ask a second name it
is Plantagenet, for he who comes to seek the shelter of your roof
is your liege lord and mine, the King's high majesty, Edward of
England.
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