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"We are indeed men of peace, Sir John, and little skilled in warlike blazonry," said he; "yet stout as are our Abbey walls, they are not so thick that the fah them and reached our ears If it be your pleasure to take an interest in this young and uided Squire, it is not for us to thwart your kind intention or to withhold such grace as you request I alad indeed that he hath one who can set him so fair an exaood 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 froe"

"I pray you, fair and honored sir," said Nigel, "that you will tell e, mon ami, is that your friend co at the manor house of Tilford for the love and respect that he bears your fael, "and yet I hope that he is one who can relish a soldier's fare and sleep under a huive 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 entleman'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 naenet, for he who coe lord and land"