\"Thenthouartoldenoughtohavesomeofthethoughtsofaman，andtolayasidethoseofaboy。Haplythouhasthadfoolishthingsinthyheadthisshorttimepast；itistimethatthouputthemaway。Harkee，sirrah！theLadyAliceisagreatheiressinherownright，andmaystcommandthebestallianceinEngland——anEarl——aDuke。Shegrowethapacetoawoman，andthenherkindliethinCourtsandgreathouses。Asforthee，thouartbutapoorlad，pennilessandwithoutfriendstoaidtheetoopenadvancement。Thyfatherisattainted，andonewhisperofwhereheliethhidwouldbringhimthencetotheTower，andhaplytotheblock。Besidesthat，hehathanenemy，asSirJamesLeehathalreadytoldthee——anenemyperhapsmoregreatandpowerfulthanmyself。Thatenemywatchethforthyfatherandforthee；shouldstthoudareraisethyheadorthyfortuneeversolittle，hewouldhaplycropthemboth，andthatparlouslyquick。MylesFalworth，howdostthoudaretoliftthineeyestotheLadyAlicedeMowbray？\"
PoorMylesstoodsilentandmotionless。\"Sir，\"saidheatlast，inadrychokingvoice，\"thouartright，andIhavebeenafool。
Sir，IwillneverraisemineeyestolookupontheLadyAlicemore。\"
\"Isaynotthateither，boy，\"saidtheEarl；\"buterethoudostsodare，thoumustfirstplacethyselfandthyfamilywhenceyefell。Tillthen，asthouartanhonestman，troublehernot。Nowgettheegone。
AsMylescrossedthedarkandsilentcourtyards，andlookedupattheclear，stilltwinkleofthestars，hefeltakindofdullwonderthattheyandthenightandtheworldshouldseemsomuchthesame，andhebesodifferent。
Thefirststrokehadbeengiventhatwastobreakinpieceshisboyhoodlife——thesecondwassoontofollow。
CHAPTER21
Therearenowandthentimesinthelifeofeveryonewhennewandstrangethingsoccurwithsuchrapiditythatonehashardlytimetocatchone’sbreathbetweenthehappenings。Itisasthoughtheoldwerecrumblingaway——breakinginpieces——togiveplacetothenewthatissoontotakeitsplace。
SoitwaswithMylesFalworthaboutthistime。Theverynextdayafterthisinterviewinthebed—chamber，wordcametohimthatSirJamesLeewishedtospeakwithhimintheoffice。Hefoundthelean，grizzledoldknightalone，sittingattheheavyoakentablewithatankardofspicedaleathiselbow，andadishofwafersandsomefragmentsofcheeseonapewterplatterbeforehim。Hepointedtohisclerk’sseat——ajointstoolsomewhatlikeacamp—chair，butmadeofheavyoakenbracesandwithaseatofhog—skin——andbadeMylesbeseated。
ItwasthefirsttimethatMyleshadeverheardofsuchcourtesybeingextendedtooneofthecompanyofsquires，and，muchwondering，heobeyedtheinvitation，orrathercommand，andtooktheseat。
Theoldknightsatregardinghimforawhileinsilence，hisoneeye，asbrightandassteadyasthatofahawk，lookingkeenlyfromunderthepenthouseofitsbushybrows，thewhileheslowlytwirledandtwistedhisbristlingwirymustaches，aswashiswontwheninmeditation。Atlasthebrokethesilence。\"Howoldartthou？\"saidhe，abruptly。
\"IbeturnedseventeenlastApril，\"Mylesanswered，ashehadtheeveningbeforetoLordMackworth。
\"Humph！\"saidSirJames；\"thoube’stbigofboneandframeforthineage。Iwouldthatthyheartweremorethatofamanlikewise，andlessthatofagiddy，hare—brainedboy，thinkingcontinuallyofnaughtbutmischief。\"
Againhefellsilent，andMylessatquitestill，wonderingifitwasonaccountofanyspecialoneofhislatestescapadesthathehadbeensummonedtotheoffice——thebreakingofthewindowintheLongHallbythestonehehadflungattherook，ortheclimbingoftheSouthTowerforthejackdaw’snest。
\"Thouhastafriend，\"saidSirJames，suddenlybreakingintohisspeculations，\"ofsuchakindthatfewinthisworldpossess。
Almosteversincethouhastbeenherehehathbeenwatchingoverthee。CanstthouguessofwhomIspeak？\"
\"HaplyitisLordGeorgeBeaumont，\"saidMyles；\"hehathalwaysbeenpassingkindtome。
\"Nay，\"saidSirJames，\"itisnotofhimthatIspeak，thoughmethinkshelikeththeewellenow。Canstthoukeepasecret，boy？\"heasked，suddenly。
\"Yea，\"answeredMyles。
\"AndwiltthoudosointhiscaseifItelltheewhoitisthatisthybestfriendhere？\"
\"Yea。\"
\"ThenitismyLordwhoisthatfriend——theEarlhimself；butseethatthoubreathenotawordofit。\"
Mylessatstaringattheoldknightinutterandprofoundamazement，andpresentlySirJamescontinued：\"Yea，almosteversincethouhastcomeheremyLordhathkeptoversightuponallthydoings，uponallthymadpranksandthyquarrelsandthyfights，thygoingsoutandcomingsin。Whatthinkestthouofthat，MylesFalworth？\"
Againtheoldknightstoppedandregardedthelad，whosatsilent，findingnowordstoanswer。Heseemedtofindagrimpleasureintheyoungster’sbewildermentandwonder。ThenasuddenthoughtcametoMyles。
\"Sir，\"saidhe，\"didmyLordknowthatIwenttotheprivygardenasIdid？\"
\"Nay，\"saidSirJames；\"ofthatheknewnaughtatfirstuntilthyfatherbadethymotherwriteandtellhim。\"
\"Myfather！\"ejaculatedMyles。
\"Aye，\"saidSirJames，twistinghismustachesmorevigorouslythanever。\"Sosoonasthyfatherheardofthatprank，hewrotestraightwaytomyLordthatheshouldputastoptowhatmightintimehavebredmischief。\"
\"Sir，\"saidMyles，inanalmostbreathlessvoice，\"Iknownothowtobelieveallthesethings，orwhetherIbeawakeora—dreaming。\"
\"Thoube’stsurelyenoughawake，\"answeredtheoldman；\"butthereareothermattersyettobetold。MyLordthinketh，asothersofusdo——LordGeorgeandmyself——thatitisnowtimefortheetoputawaythyboyishfollies，andlearnthosethingsappertainingtomanhood。Thouhastbeenhereayearnow，andhasthadfreedomtodoasthoumightlist；but，boy\"——andtheoldwarriorspokeseriously，almostsolemnly——\"upontheedothrestmattersofsuchgreatimportthatdidItellthemtotheethoucouldstnotgraspthem。MyLorddeemsthatthouhast，mayhap，promisebeyondthecommonofmen；ne’thelessitremainethyettobeseenanheberight；itisyettotestwhetherthatpromisemaybefulfilled。NextMondayIandSirEverardWilloughbytaketheeinhandtobegintrainingtheeintheknowledgeandtheuseofthejoustinglance，ofarms，andofhorsemanship。ThouarttogotoRalphSmith，andhavehimfitasuitofplainarmortotheewhichhehathbeenchargedtomakefortheeagainstthistime。Sogettheegone，thinkwelloverallthesematters，andpreparethyselfbynextMonday。Butstay，sirrah，\"headded，asMyles，dazedandbewildered，turnedtoobey；\"breathetonolivingsoulwhatIha’toldthee——thatmyLordisthyfriend——neitherspeakofanythingconcerninghim。Suchishisownheavycommandlaiduponthee。\"
ThenMylesturnedagainwithoutawordtoleavetheroom。ButashereachedthedoorSirJamesstoppedhimasecondtime。
\"Stay！\"hecalled。\"Ihadnighmissedtellingtheesomewhatelse。
MyLordhathmadetheeapresentthismorningthatthouwottestnotof。Itis\"——thenhestoppedforafewmoments，perhapstoenjoythefullflavorofwhathehadtosay——\"itisagreatFlemishhorseoftruebreedandrightmettle；ahorsesuchasaknightofthenobleststrainmightbeproudtocallhisown。
MylesFalworth，thouwertbornuponaluckyday！\"
\"Sir，\"criedMyles，andthenstoppedshort。Then，\"Sir，\"hecriedagain，\"didstthousayit——thehorse——wastobemine？\"
\"Aye，itistobethine。\"
\"Myveryown？\"
\"Thyveryown。\"
HowMylesFalworthleftthatplaceheneverknew。Hewaslikeoneinsomestrange，somewonderfuldream。Hewalkeduponair，andhisheartwassofullofjoyandwonderandamazementthatitthrilledalmosttoagony。OfcoursehisfirstthoughtwasofGascoyne。Howheeverfoundhimhenevercouldtell，butfindhimhedid。
\"Come，Francis！\"hecried，\"Ihavethattotelltheesomarvellousthathaditcomeuponmefromparadiseitcouldnotbemorestrange。\"
ThenhedraggedhimawaytotheirEyry——ithadbeenmanyalongdaysincetheyhadbeenthere——andtoallhisfriend’sspeeches，toallhiswonderingquestions，heansweredneveraworduntiltheyhadclimbedthestairs，andsocometotheiroldhaunt。Thenhespoke。
\"Sittheedown，Francis，\"saidhe，\"tillItelltheethatwhichpassethwonder。\"AsGascoyneobeyed，hehimselfstoodlookingabouthim。\"ThisisthelasttimeIshallevercomehither，\"saidhe。Andthereuponhepouredouthishearttohislisteningfriendinthemurmuringsolitudeoftheairyheight。HedidnotspeakoftheEarl，butofthewonderfulnewlifethathadthussuddenlyopenedbeforehim，withitsgoldenfutureoflimitlesshopes，ofdazzlingpossibilities，ofheroicambitions。Hetoldeverything，walkingupanddownthewhile——forhecouldnotremainquiet——hischeeksglowingandhiseyessparkling。
Gascoynesatquitestill，staringstraightbeforehim。Heknewthathisfriendwasrufflingeaglepinionsforaflightinwhichhecouldneverhopetofollow，andsomehowhisheartached，forheknewthatthismustbethebeginningoftheendofthedear，delightfulfriendshipoftheyearpast。
CHAPTER22
AndsoendedMylesFalworth’sboyhood。Threeyearsfollowed，duringwhichhepassedthroughthatstatewhichimmediatelyfollowsboyhoodinallmen’slives——atimewhentheyareneitherladsnorgrownmen，butyouthspassingfromtheonetotheotherperiodthroughwhatisoftenanuncouthanduncomfortableage。
Hehadfancied，whenhetalkedwithGascoyneintheEyrythattime，thathewastobecomeamanallatonce；hefeltjustthenthathehadforeverdonewithboyishthings。Butthatisnotthewayithappensinmen’slives。Changesdonotcomesosuddenlyandswiftlyasthat，butbylittleandlittle。Forthreeorfourdays，maybe，hewenthisnewwayoflifebigwiththegreatchangethathadcomeuponhim，andthen，nowinthisandnowinthat，hedriftedbackverymuchintohisoldwaysofboyishdoings。Aswassaid，one’syoungdaysdonotendallatonce，evenwhentheybesosuddenlyandsharplyshaken，andMyleswasnotdifferentfromothers。Hehadbeenstirredtothecorebythatfirstwonderfulsightofthegreatandgloriouslifeofmanhoodopeningbeforehim，buthehadyetmanyasporttoenjoy，manyagametoplay，manyaboisterousromptoriotinthedormitory，manyanexpeditiontomaketocopseandspinneyandriverondayswhenhewasoffduty，andwhenpermissionhadbeengranted。
Nevertheless，therewasagreatandvitalchangeinhislife；achangewhichhehardlyfeltorrealized。Eveninresuminghisoldlifetherewasnolongerthesamevitality，thesamezest，thesameenjoymentinallthesethings。Itseemedasthoughtheywerenolongerapartofhimself。Thesavorhadgonefromthem，andby—and—byitwaspleasantertositlookingonatthesportsandthegamesoftheyoungerladsthantotakeactivepartinthem。
Thesethreeyearsofhislifethathadthuspassedhadbeenveryfull；fullmostlyofwork，grindingandmonotonous；oftrainingdull，dry，laborious。ForSirJamesLeewasataskmasterashardasironandseeminglyascoldasastone。Fortwo，perhapsforthree，weeksMylesenteredintohisnewexerciseswithalltheenthusiasmthatnoveltybrings；buttheseexerciseshardlyvariedatittlefromdaytoday，andsoonbecameaduty，andfinallyahardandgrindingtask。Heused，intheearlierdaysofhiscastlelife，tohatethedullmonotonyofthetri—weeklyhackingatthepelswithaheavybroadswordashehatednothingelse；butnow，thoughhestillhadthatexercisetoperform，itwasalmostarelieffromtheheavydulnessofriding，riding，ridinginthetilt—yardwithshieldandlance——couch——recover——enpassant。
Butthoughhehadnowadaysbutlittletimeforboyishplaysandescapades，hislifewasnotaltogetherwithoutrelaxation。Nowandthenhewaspermittedtodriveinmockbattlewithotheroftheyoungerknightsandbachelorsinthepaddockneartheouterwalls。Itwasastillmorewelcomechangeintheroutineofhislifewhen，occasionally，hewouldbreakalightlanceinthetilting—courtwithSirEverardWilloughby；LordGeorge，perhaps，andmaybeoneortwoothersoftheHallfolk，lookingon。
Thenonegildedday，whenLordDudleighwasvisitingatDevlen，MylesranacoursewithaheavierlanceinthepresenceoftheEarl，whocamedowntothetilt—yardwithhisguesttoseetheyoungnovitiaterideagainstSirEverard。Hedidhisbest，anddiditwell。LordDudleighpraisedhispoiseandcarriage，andLordGeorge，whowaspresent，gavehimanapprovingsmileandnod。ButtheEarlofMackworthonlysatstrokinghisbeardimpassively，aswashiscustom。Myleswouldhavegivenmuchtoknowhisthoughts。
InalltheseyearsSirJamesLeealmostnevergaveanyexpressioneitherofapprobationordisapproval——exceptingwhenMylesexhibitedsomecarelessnessoroversight。Thenhiswordsweresharpandharshenough。MorethanonceMyles’sheartfailedhim，andbitterdiscouragementtookpossessionofhim；thennothingbuthisbull—dogtenacityandstubbornnessbroughthimoutfromthedespondencyofthedarkhours。
\"Sir，\"heburstoutoneday，whenhisheartwasheavywithsomefailure，\"tellme，Ibeseechthee，doIgetmeanyofskillatall？Isitinmeevertomakeaworthyknight，fittoholdlanceandswordwithothermen，oramIonlysoothlyadullheavyblock，worthnaughtofanygood？\"
\"Thouartafool，sirrah！\"answeredSirJames，inhisgrimmesttones。\"Thinkestthoutolearnallofknightlyprowessinayearandahalf？Waituntilthouartripe，andthenIwilltelltheeifthouartfittocouchalanceorrideacoursewitharightknight。\"
\"Thouartanoldbear！\"mutteredMylestohimself，astheoldone—eyedknightturnedonhisheelandstrodeaway。\"Beshrewme！
anIshowtheenotthatIamasworthytocouchalanceasthouoneofthesefinedays！\"
However，duringthelastofthethreeyearsthegrindingroutineofhistraininghadnotbeenquitesosevereasatfirst。Hisexercisestookhimmoreoftenoutintothefields，anditwasduringthistimeofhisknightlyeducationthathesometimesrodeagainstsomeofthecastleknightsinfriendlybattlewithswordorlanceorwoodenmace。Intheseencountershealwaysheldhisown；andhelditmorethanwell，though，inhisboyishsimplicity，hewasaltogetherunconsciousofhisownskill，address，andstrength。Perhapsitwashisveryhonestmodestythatmadehimsopopularandsoheartilylikedbyall。
Hehadbythistimerisentotheplaceofheadsquireorchiefbachelor，holdingthesamepositionthatWalterBlunthadoccupiedwhenhehimselfhadfirstcome，arawcountryboy，toDevlen。Thelessersquiresandpagesfairlyworshippedhimasahero，albeitimposinguponhisgood—nature。Alltookaprideinhispracticeinknightlyexercises，andfabuloustaleswerecurrentamongtheyoungfryconcerninghisstrengthandskill。
Yet，althoughMyleswasnowattheheadofhisclass，hedidnot，asotherchiefbachelorshaddone，takealeadingpositionamongthesquiresintheEarl’shouseholdservice。LordMackworth，forhisowngoodreasons，relegatedhimtothepositionofLordGeorge’sespecialattendant。Nevertheless，theEarlalwaysdistinguishedhimfromtheotheresquires，givinghimacoolnodwhenevertheymet；andMyles，uponhispart——nowthathehadlearnedbettertoappreciatehowmuchhisLordhaddoneforhim——wouldhaveshedthelastdropofbloodinhisveinsfortheheadofthehouseofBeaumont。
Asforthetwoyoungladies，heoftensawthem，andsometimes，eveninthepresenceoftheEarl，exchangedafewwordswiththem，andLordMackworthneitherforbadeitnorseemedtonoticeit。
TowardstheLadyAnnehefeltthesteadyfriendlyregardofaladforagirlolderthanhimself；towardstheLadyAlice，nowbuddingintoripeyoungwomanhood，therelaydeepinhishearttheresolvetobesomedayhertrueknightinearnestashehadbeenherknightinpretenceinthattimeofboyhoodwhenhehadsoperilouslyclimbedintotheprivygarden。
Inbodyandformhewasnowaman，andinthoughtandheartwasquicklyripeningtomanhood，for，aswassaidbefore，menmaturedquicklyinthosedays。Hewasarightcomelyyouth，forthepromiseofhisboyishbodyhadbeenfulfilledinatall，powerful，well—knitframe。Hisfacewasstillroundandboyish，butoncheekandchinandlipwasthecurlofadolescentbeard——soft，yellow，andsilky。Hiseyeswereasblueassteel，andquickandsharpinglanceasthoseofahawk；andashewalked，hisarmsswungfromhisbroad，squareshoulders，andhisbodyswayedwithpent—upstrengthreadyforactionatanymoment。
IflittleLadyAlice，hearingmuchtalkofhisdoingsandofhispromiseintheselattertimes，thoughtofhimnowandthenitisamatternotaltogethertobewonderedat。
Suchwerethechangesthatthreeyearshadwrought。Andfromnowthestoryofhismanhoodreallybegins。
PerhapsinallthehistoryofDevlenCastle，evenatthis，thehightideofprideandgreatnessofthehouseofBeaumont，themostnotabletimewasintheearlyautumnoftheyear1411，whenforfivedaysKingHenryIVwasentertainedbytheEarlofMackworth。TheKingwasatthattimemakingaprogressthroughcertainofthemidlandcounties，andwithhimtravelledtheComtedeVermoise。TheCountwasthesecretemissaryoftheDauphin’sfactioninFrance，atthattimeintheverybitterestintensityofthestrugglewiththeDukeofBurgundy，andhadcometoEnglandseekingaidforhismasterinhisquarrel。
ItwasnotthefirsttimethatroyaltyhadvisitedDevlen。Once，inEarlRobert’sday，KingEdwardIIhadspentaweekatthecastleduringtheperiodoftheScottishwars。Butatthattimeitwaslittleelsethanamilitarypost，andwasusedbytheKingassuch。NowtheBeaumontswereintheveryfloweroftheirprosperity，andpreparationsweremadeforthecomingvisitofroyaltyuponascaleofsuchmagnificenceandsplendorasEarlRobert，orperhapsevenKingEdwardhimself，hadneverdreamed。
Forweeksthewholecastlehadbeenalivewithfolkhurryinghitherandthither；andwiththedailyandalmosthourlycomingofpack—horses，ladenwithbalesandboxes，fromLondon。Frommorningtonightoneheardtheceaselesschip—chippingofthemasons’hammers，andsawcarriersofstonesandmortarascendinganddescendingtheladdersofthescaffoldingthatcoveredthefaceofthegreatNorthHall。Within，thatpartofthebuildingwasalivewiththescrapingofthecarpenters’saws，theclatteringoflumber，andtherappingandbangingofhammers。
TheNorthHallhadbeenassignedasthelodgingplacefortheKingandhiscourt，andSt。George’sHall（astheolderbuildingadjoiningitwascalled）hadbeensetapartasthelodgingoftheComtedeVermoiseandtheknightsandgentlemenattendantuponhim。
ThegreatNorthHallhadbeenverymuchalteredandchangedfortheaccommodationoftheKingandhispeople；abeautifulgalleryofcarvedwood—workhadbeenbuiltwithinandacrossthesouthendoftheroomfortheuseoftheladieswhoweretolookdownupontheceremoniesbelow。Twoadditionalwindowshadbeencutthroughthewallandglazed，andpassage—wayshadbeenopenedconnectingwiththeroyalapartmentsbeyond。Inthebedchamberabedofcarvedwoodandsilverhadbeenbuiltintothewall，andhadbeendrapedwithhangingsofpaleblueandsilver，andamagnificentscreenofwrought—ironandcarvedwoodhadbeenerectedaroundthecouch；richandbeautifultapestriesbroughtfromItalyandFlanderswerehunguponthewalls；cushionsofvelvetsandsilksstuffedwithdowncoveredbenchesandchairs。
Thefloorofthehallwasspreadwithmatsofrushesstainedinvariouscolors，wovenintocuriouspatterns，andinthesmallerroomspreciouscarpetsofarraswerelaidonthecoldstones。
AllofthecadetsoftheHousehadbeenassembled；allofthegentlemeninwaiting，retainersandclients。Thecastleseemedfulltooverflowing；eventhedormitoryofthesquireswasusedasalodgingplaceformanyofthelessergentry。
Soatlast，inthemidstofallthisbustleofpreparation，camethedayofdayswhentheKingwastoarrive。ThedaybeforeacourierhadcomebringingthenewsthathewaslodgingatDonasterAbbeyovernight，andwouldmakeprogressthenextdaytoDevlen。
Thatmorning，asMyleswasmarshallingthepagesandsquires，and，withthelistofnamesinhishand，wasstrivingtoevolvesomeorderoutoftheconfusion，assigningthevariousindividualstheirspecialduties——thesetoattendinthehousehold，thosetorideintheescort——oneofthegentlemenofLordGeorge’shouseholdcamewithanorderforhimtocomeimmediatelytotheyoungnobleman’sapartments。MyleshastilyturnedoverhisdutiestoGascoyneandWilkes，andthenhurriedafterthemessenger。HefoundLordGeorgeintheantechamber，threegentlemensquiresarminghiminamagnificentsuitofribbedMilan。
HegreetedMyleswithanodandasmileastheladentered。
\"Sirrah，\"saidhe，\"IhavehadatalkwithMackworththismornconcerningthee，andhaveamindtodotheeanhonorinmypoorway。Howwouldstthouliketorideto—dayasmyspecialsquireofescort？\"
Mylesflushedtotherootsofhishair。\"Oh，sir！\"hecried，eagerly，\"anIbenottooungainlyforthypurpose，nohonorinalltheworldcouldbesuchjoytomeasthat！\"
LordGeorgelaughed。\"Alittlematterpleasestheehugely，\"saidhe；\"butastobeingungainly，whososayeththatoftheebelieththee，Myles；thouartnotungainly，sirrah。Butthatisnottothepoint。Ihavechosentheeformyequerryto—day；somakethouhasteanddonthinearmor，andthencomehitheragain，andHollingwoodwillfittheewithawreathedbascinetIhavewithin，andajupponembroideredwithmyarmsandcolors。\"
WhenMyleshadmadehisbowandlefthispatron，heflewacrossthequadrangle，andburstintothearmoryuponGascoyne，whomhefoundstilllingeringthere，chattingwithoneortwooftheolderbachelors。
\"Whatthinkestthou，Francis？\"hecried，wildwithexcitement。
\"AnhonorhathbeendonemethisdayIcouldneverhavehopedtoenjoy。Outofallthishousehold，LordGeorgehathchosemehisequerryforthedaytoridetomeettheKing。Come，hastentohelpmetoarm！Artthounotgladofthisthingformysake，Francis？\"
\"Aye，gladamIindeed！\"criedGascoyne，thatgenerousfriend；
\"ratheralmostwouldIhavethisbefalltheethanmyself！\"AndindeedhewashardlylessjubilantthanMylesoverthehonor。
Fiveminuteslaterhewasbusyarminghiminthelittleroomattheendofthedormitorywhichhadbeenlatelysetapartfortheuseoftheheadbachelor。\"Andtothink，\"hesaid，lookingupashekneeled，strappingthethigh—platestohisfriend’slegs，\"thatheshouldhavechosentheebeforeallothersofthefineknightsandlordsandgentlemenofqualitythatarehere！\"
\"Yea，\"saidMyles，\"itpassethwonder。Iknownotwhyheshouldsosinglemeoutforsuchanhonor。Itisstrangelymarvellous。\"
\"Nay，\"saidGascoyne，\"thereisnomarvelinit，andIknowrightwellwhyhechooseththee。Itisbecausehesees，asweallsee，thatthouartthestoutestandthebest—skilledinarms，andmosteasyofcarriageofanymaninallthisplace。\"
Myleslaughed。\"Anthoumakesportofme，\"saidhe，\"I’llrapthyheadwiththisdaggerhilt。Thouartasillyfellow，Francis，totalkso。Buttellme，hastthouheardwhorideswithmyLord？\"
\"Yea，IheardWilkessayanonthatitwasSirJamesLee。\"
\"Iamrightgladofthat，\"saidMyles；\"forthenhewillshowmewhattodoandhowtobearmyself。ItfrightsmetothinkwhatwouldhapshouldImakesomemistakeinmyawkwardness。MethinksLordGeorgewouldneverhavemewithhimmoreshouldIdoamissthisday。\"
\"Neverfear，\"saidGascoyne；\"thouwiltnotdoamiss。\"
Andnow，atlast，theEarl，LordGeorge，andalltheirescortwereready；thentheordersweregiventohorse，thebuglesounded，andawaytheyallrode，withclashingofironhoofsandringingandjinglingofarmor，outintothedewyfreshnessoftheearlymorning，theslantyellowsunofautumnblazingandflaminguponpolishedhelmetsandshields，andtwinklinglikesparksoffireuponspearpoints。Myles’sheartthrilledwithinhimforpurejoy，andheswelledouthissturdyyoungbreastwithgreatdraughtsofthesweetfreshairthatcamesingingacrossthesunnyhill—tops。SirJamesLee，whoactedastheEarl’sequerryfortheday，rodeatalittledistance，andtherewasanalmostpatheticcontrastbetweenthegrim，steadfastimpassivenessofthetougholdwarriorandMyles’spassionateexuberanceofyouth。
AttheheadofthepartyrodetheEarlandhisbrothersidebyside，eachcladcap—a—pieinasuitofMilanarmor，thecuirassofeachcoveredwithavelvetjupponembroideredinsilverwiththearmsandquarteringsoftheBeaumonts。TheEarlworearoundhisneckan\"SS\"collar，withajewelledSt。Georgehangingfromit，anduponhisheadavizoredbascinet，ornamentedwithawreathcoveredwithblackandyellowvelvetandglisteningwithjewels。
LordGeorge，aswassaidbefore，wascladinabeautifulsuitofribbedMilanarmor。Itwasrimmedwithathinthreadofgold，and，likehisbrother，heworeabascinetwreathedwithblackandyellowvelvet。
Behindthetwobrothersandtheirequerriesrodetherestintheirproperorder——knights，gentlemen，esquires，men—at—arms——tothenumber，perhaps，oftwohundredandfifty；spearsandlancesaslant，andbanners，permons，andpencelsofblackandyellowflutteringinthewarmSeptemberair。
Fromthecastletothetowntheyrode，andthenacrossthebridge，andthenceclatteringupthroughthestonystreets，wherethefolklookeddownuponthemfromthewindowsabove，orcrowdedthefrontsoftheshopsofthetradesmen。LustycheerswereshoutedfortheEarl，butthegreatLordrodestaringeverstraightbeforehim，asunmovedasastone。Thenoutofthetowntheyclattered，andawayinasweepingcloudofdustacrossthecountry—side。
ItwasnotuntiltheyhadreachedthewindytopofWilloughbyCroft，tenmilesaway，thattheymettheKingandhiscompany。Asthetwopartiesapproachedtowithinfortyorfiftyyardsofoneanothertheystopped。
Astheycametoahalt，Mylesobservedthatagentlemandressedinaplainblue—grayriding—habit，andsittinguponabeautifulwhitegelding，stoodalittleinadvanceoftherestoftheparty，andheknewthatthatmustbetheKing。ThenSirJamesnoddedtoMyles，andleapingfromhishorse，flungthereinstooneoftheattendants。Mylesdidthelike；andthen，stillfollowingSirJames’sleadasheservedLordMackworth，wentforwardandheldLordGeorge’sstirrupwhilehedismounted。Thetwonoblemenquicklyremovedeachhisbascinet，andMyles，holdingthebridle—reinofLordGeorge’shorsewithhislefthand，tookthehelmetinhisright，restingituponhiship。
Thenthetwobrotherswalkedforwardbare—headed，theEarl，alittleinadvance。ReachingtheKinghestopped，andthenbenthisknee——stifflyinthearmoredplates——untilittouchedtheground。ThereupontheKingreachedhimhishand，andhe，risingagain，tookit，andsetittohislips。
ThenLordGeorge，advancing，kneeledashisbrotherhadkneeled，andtohimalsotheKinggavehishand。
Mylescouldhearnothing，buthecouldseethatafewwordsofgreetingpassedbetweenthethree，andthentheKing，turning，beckonedtoaknightwhostoodjustbehindhimandalittleinadvanceoftheothersofthetroop。Inanswer，theknightrodeforward；theKingspokeafewwordsofintroduction，andthestranger，ceremoniouslydrawingoffhisrightgauntlet，claspedthehand，firstoftheEarl，andthenofLordGeorge。MylesknewthathemustbethegreatComtedeVermoise，ofwhomhehadheardsomuchoflate。
Afewmomentsofconversationfollowed，andthentheKingbowedslightly。TheFrenchnoblemaninstantlyreinedbackhishorse，anorderwasgiven，andthenthewholecompanymovedforward，thetwobrotherswalkinguponeithersideoftheKing，theEarllightlytouchingthebridle—reinwithhisbarehand。
Whilstallthiswaspassing，theEarlofMackworth’scompanyhadbeendrawnupinadoublelinealongtheroad—side，leavingthewayopentotheotherparty。AstheKingreachedtheheadofthetroop，anotherhaltfollowedwhilehespokeafewcourteouswordsofgreetingtosomeofthelessernoblesattendantupontheEarlwhomheknew。
InthatlittletimehewaswithinafewpacesofMyles，whostoodmotionlessasastatue，holdingthebascinetandthebridle—reinofLordGeorge’shorse。
WhatMylessawwasaplain，ratherstoutman，withafacefat，smooth，andwaxy，withpale—blueeyes，andbaggyinthelids；
cleanshaven，exceptforamustacheandtuftcoveringlipsandchin。Somehowhefeltadeepdisappointment。Hehadexpectedtoseesomethinglion—like，somethingregal，and，afterall，thegreatKingHenrywascommonplace，fat，unwholesome—looking。Itcametohimwithasortofashockthat，afterall，aKingwasinnowisedifferentfromothermen。
MeanwhiletheEarlandhisbrotherreplacedtheirbascinets，andpresentlythewholepartymovedforwarduponthewaytoMackworth。
CHAPTER23
Thatsameafternoonthesquires’quarterswerethrownintosuchafermentofexcitementashad，perhaps，neverbeforestirredthem。
Aboutoneo’clockintheafternoontheEarlhimselfandLordGeorgecamewalkingslowlyacrosstheArmoryCourtwrappedindeepconversation，andenteredSirJamesLee’soffice。
Alltheusualhubbubofnoisethatsurroundedtheneighborhoodofthedormitoryandthearmorywasstilledattheircoming，andwhenthetwonoblemenhadenteredSirJames’soffice，theladsandyoungmengatheredinknotsdiscussingwithanalmostawesomeinterestwhatthatvisitmightportend。
AftersometimeSirJamesLeecametothedoorattheheadofthelongflightofstonesteps，andwhistling，beckonedoneofthesmallerpagestohim。Hegaveashortorderthatsentthelittlefellowflyingonsomemission。Inthecourseofafewminuteshereturned，hurryingacrossthestonycourtwithMylesFalworth，whopresentlyenteredSirJames’soffice。Itwasthenandatthissightthattheintensehalf—suppressedexcitementreacheditsheightoffever—heat。Whatdiditallmean？Theairwasfilledwithathousandvague，wildrumors——buttheverywildestsurmisesfellshortoftherealtruth。
PerhapsMyleswassomewhatpalewhenheenteredtheoffice；
certainlyhisnerveswereinatremor，forhishearttoldhimthatsomethingveryportentouswasabouttobefallhim。TheEarlsatatthetable，andintheseatthatSirJamesLeeusuallyoccupied；LordGeorgehalfsat，halfleanedinthewindow—place。
SirJamesstoodwithhisbacktotheemptyfireplace，andhishandsclaspedbehindhim。Allthreewereveryserious。
\"Givetheegoodden，MylesFalworth，\"saidtheEarl，asMylesbowedfirsttohimandthentotheothers；\"andIwouldhavetheepreparethyselfforagreathappening。\"Then，continuingdirectlytothepoint：\"Thouknowest，sirrah，whywehavebeentrainingtheesocloselythesethreeyearsgone；itisthatthoushouldstbeabletoholdthineownintheworld。Nay，notonlyholdthineown，buttoshowthyselftobeaknightofprowessshouldstitcometoabattlebetweentheeandthyfather’senemy；forthereliethnohalf—wayplaceforthee，andthoumustbeeithergreatorelsenothing。Well，sir，thetimehathnowcomefortheetoshowthymettle。Iwouldratherhavechosenthatthouhadstlaboredatwelvemonthlonger；butnow，asIsaid，hathcomeachancetoprovethyselfthatmaynevercomeagain。SirJamestellsmethatthouartpassablyripeinskill。Thoumustnowshowwhetherthatbesoorno。HastthoueverheardoftheSieurdelaMontaigne？\"
\"Yea，myLord。Ihaveheardofhimoften，\"answeredMyles。\"ItwashewhowontheprizeatthegreattourneyatRochellelastyear。\"
\"Iseethatthouhasthisfamepattothytongue’send，\"saidtheEarl；\"heisthechevalierofwhomIspeak，andheisreckonedthebestknightofDauphiny。Thatoneofwhichthouspokestwasthethirdgreattourneyinwhichhewasadjudgedthevictor。Iamgladthatthouholdesthisprowesshighly。KnowestthouthatheisinthetrainoftheComtedeVermoise？\"
\"Nay，\"saidMyles，flushing；\"IdidhearnewshewasinEngland，butknewnotthathewasinthisplace。\"
\"Yea，\"saidLordMackworth；\"heishere。\"Hepausedforamoment；
thensaid，suddenly。\"Tellme，MylesFalworth，anthouwertaknightandofrankfittorunajoustwiththeSieurdelaMontaigne，wouldstthoudareencounterhiminthelists？\"
TheEarl’squestionfelluponMylessosuddenlyandunexpectedlythatforamomentorsohestoodstaringatthespeakerwithmouthagape。MeanwhiletheEarlsatlookingcalmlybackathim，slowlystrokinghisbeardthewhile。
ItwasSirJamesLee’svoicethatbrokethesilence。\"ThouheardstthyLordspeak，\"saidhe，harshly。\"Hastthounotonguetoanswer，sirrah？\"
\"Besilent，Lee，\"saidLordMackworth，quietly。\"Lettheladhavetimetothinkbeforehespeaketh。\"
ThesoundofthewordsarousedMyles。Headvancedtothetable，andrestedhishanduponit。\"MyLord——myLord，\"saidhe，\"Iknownotwhattosay，I——Iamamazedandafeard。\"
\"How！how！\"criedSirJamesLee，harshly。\"Afeard，saystthou？Anthouartafeard，thouknave，thouneedstneverlookuponmyfaceorspeaktomemore！IhavedonewiththeeforeveranthouartafeardevenwerethechampionaSirAlisander。\"
\"Peace，peace，Lee，\"saidtheEarl，holdinguphishand。\"Thouarttoohasty。Theladshallhavehiswillinthismatter，andthouandnooneshallconstrainhim。Methinks，also，thoudostnotunderstandhim。Speakfromthyheart，Myles；whyartthouafraid？\"
\"Because，\"saidMyles，\"Iamsoyoung，sir；Iambutarawboy。
HowshouldIdarebesohardyastoventuretosetlanceagainstsuchanoneastheSieurdelaMontaigne？WhatwouldIbebutalaughing—stockforalltheworldwhowouldseemesofoolishastoventuremeagainstoneofsuchprowessandskill？\"
\"Nay，Myles，\"saidLordGeorge，\"thouthinkestnotwellenoughofthineownskillandprowess。Thinkestthouwewouldundertaketosettheeagainsthim，anwedidnotthinkthatthoucouldstholdthineownfairlywell？\"
\"Holdmineown？\"criedMyles，turningtoLordGeorge。\"Sir；thoudostnotmean——thoucanstnotmean，thatImayhopeordreamtoholdmineownagainsttheSieurdelaMontaigne。\"
\"Aye，\"saidLordGeorge，\"thatwaswhatIdidmean。\"
\"Come，Myles，\"saidtheEarl；\"nowtellme：wiltthoufighttheSieurdelaMontaigne？\"
\"Yea，\"saidMyles，drawinghimselftohisfullheightandthrowingouthischest。\"Yea，\"andhischeeksandforeheadflushedred；\"anthoubidmedoso，Iwillfighthim。\"
\"Therespakemybravelad！\"criedLordGeorgeheartily。
\"Igivetheejoy，Myles，\"saidtheEarl，reachinghimhishand，whichMylestookandkissed。\"AndIgivetheedoublejoy。IhavetalkedwiththeKingconcerningtheethismorning，andhehathconsentedtoknightthee——yea，toknighttheewithallhonorsoftheBath——providedthouwiltmatchtheeagainsttheSieurdelaMontaigneforthehonorofEnglandandMackworth。JustnowtheKingliethtosleepforalittlewhileafterhisdinner；havethyselfinreadinesswhenhecomethforth，andIwillhavetheepresented。\"
ThentheEarlturnedtoSirJamesLee，andquestionedhimastohowthebachelorswerefittedwithclothes。Myleslistened，onlyhalfhearingthewordsthroughthetumblingofhisthoughts。Hehaddreamedinhisday—dreamsthatsometimehemightbeknighted，butthattimealwaysseemedvery，verydistant。Tobeknightednow，inhisboyhood，bytheKing，withthehonorsoftheBath，andunderthepatronageoftheEarlofMackworth；tojoust——toactuallyjoust——withtheSieurdelaMontaigne，oneofthemostfamouschevaliersofFrance！Nowonderheonlyhalfheardthewords；halfheardtheEarl’squestionsconcerninghisclothesandthediscussionwhichfollowed；halfheardLordGeorgevolunteertoarrayhiminfittinggarmentsfromhisownwardrobe。
\"Thoumaystgonow，\"saidtheEarl，atlastturningtohim。\"ButbethouatGeorge’sapartmentsbytwooftheclocktobedressedfittinglyfortheoccasion。\"
ThenMyleswentoutstupefied，dazed，bewildered。Helookedaround，buthedidnotseeGascoyne。Hesaidnotawordtoanyoftheothersinanswertotheeagerquestionspoureduponhimbyhisfellow—squires，butwalkedstraightaway。Hehardlyknewwherehewent，butby—and—byhefoundhimselfinagrassyanglebelowtheendofthesouthstable；aspotoverlookingtheouterwallandtheriverbeyond。Helookedaround；noonewasnear，andheflunghimselfatlength，buryinghisfaceinhisarms。Howlonghelaytherehedidnotknow，butsuddenlysomeonetouchedhimupontheshoulder，andhesprangupquickly。ItwasGascoyne。
\"Whatistodo，Myles？\"saidhisfriend，anxiously。\"WhatisallthistalkIhearconcerningtheeupyonderatthearmory？\"
\"Oh，Francis！\"criedMyles，withahuskychokingvoice：\"Iamtobeknighted——bytheKing——bytheKinghimself；andI——IamtofighttheSieurdelaMontaigne。\"
Hereachedouthishand，andGascoynetookit。Theystoodforawhilequitesilent，andwhenatlastthestillnesswasbroken，itwasGascoynewhospoke，inachokingvoice。
\"Thouartgoingtobegreat，Myles，\"saidhe。\"Ialwaysknewthatitmustbesowiththee，andnowthetimehathcome。Yea，thouwiltbegreat，andliveatcourtamongstnoblefolk，andKingshaply。Presentlythouwiltnotbewithmeanymore，andwiltforgetmeby—and—by。\"
\"Nay，Francis，neverwillIforgetthee！\"answeredMyles，pressinghisfriend’shand。\"Iwillalwayslovetheebetterthananyoneintheworld，savingonlymyfatherandmymother。\"
Gascoyneshookhisheadandlookedaway，swallowingatthedrylumpinhisthroat。SuddenlyheturnedtoMyles。\"Wiltthougrantmeaboon？\"
\"Yea，\"answeredMyles。\"Whatisit？\"
\"Thatthouwiltchoosemeforthysquire。\"
\"Nay，\"saidMyles；\"howcanstthouthinktoservemeassquire？
Thouwiltbeaknightthyselfsomeday，Francis，andwhydostthouwishnowtobemysquire？\"
\"Because，\"saidGascoyne，withashortlaugh，\"Iwouldratherbeinthycompanyasasquirethaninmineownasaknight，evenifImightbebanneret。\"
Mylesflunghisarmaroundhisfriend’sneck，andkissedhimuponthecheek。\"Thoushalthavethywill，\"saidhe；\"butwhetherknightorsquire，thouartevermineowntruefriend。\"
Thentheywentslowlybacktogether，handinhand，tothecastleworldagain。
Attwoo’clockMyleswenttoLordGeorge’sapartments，andtherehisfriendandpatrondressedhimoutinacostumebetterfittedfortheceremonyofpresentation——afur—trimmedjacketofgreenbrocadedvelvetembroideredwithgoldenthread，ablackvelvethood—caprolledlikeaturbanandwithajewelinthefront，apairofcrimsonhose，andapairofblackvelvetshoestrimmedandstitchedwithgold—thread。Myleshadneverwornsuchsplendidclothesinhislifebefore，andhecouldnotbutfeelthattheybecamehimwell。
\"Sir，\"saidhe，ashelookeddownathimself，\"sureitisnotlawfulformetowearsuchclothesasthese。\"
Inthosedaystherewasalaw，knownasasumptuarylaw，whichregulatedbystatutetheclothesthateachclassofpeoplewereprivilegedtowear。Itwas，asMylessaid，againstthelawforhimtowearsuchgarmentsasthoseinwhichhewasclad——eithervelvet，crimsonstuff，furorsilverorgoldembroidery——neverthelesssuchasolemnceremonyaspresentationtotheKingexcusedthetemporaryoversteppingofthelaw，andsoLordGeorgetoldhim。Ashelaidhishanduponthelad’sshoulderandheldhimoffatarm’s—length，headded，\"AndIpledgetheemyword，Myles，thatthouartaslustyandhandsomealadasevermineeyesbeheld。\"
\"Thouartverykindtome，sir，\"saidMyles，inanswer。
LordGeorgelaughed；andthengivinghimashake，letgohisshoulder。
Itwasaboutthreeo’clockwhenlittleEdmonddeMontefort，LordMackworth’sfavoritepage，camewithwordthattheKingwasthenwalkingintheEarl’spleasance。
\"Come，Myles，\"saidLordGeorge，andthenMylesarosefromtheseatwherehehadbeensitting，hisheartpalpitatingandthrobbingtumultuously。
Atthewicket—gateofthepleasancetwogentlemen—at—armsstoodguardinhalf—armor；theysalutedLordGeorge，andpermittedhimtopasswithhisprotege。Ashelaidhishanduponthelatchofthewickethepausedforamomentandturned。
\"Myles，\"saidhe，inalowvoice，\"thouartathoughtfulandcautiouslad；forthyfather’ssakebethoughtfulandcautiousnow。Donotspeakhisnameorbetraythatthouarthisson。\"Thenheopenedthewicket—gateandentered。
AnyladofMyles’sage，evenonefarmoreusedtotheworldthanhe，wouldperhapshavefeltalltheoppressionthatheexperiencedundertheweightofsuchapresentation。HehardlyknewwhathewasdoingasLordGeorgeledhimtowheretheKingstood，alittleapartfromtheattendants，withtheEarlandtheComtedeVermoise。Eveninhisconfusionheknewenoughtokneel，andsomehowhishonest，modestdiffidencebecametheyoungfellowverywell。Hewasnotawkward，foronesohealthfulinmindandbodyashecouldnotbearhimselfveryill，andhefelttheassurancethatinLordGeorgehehadakindfriendathisside，andonewellusedtocourtceremoniestolendhimcountenance。
Thenthereissomethingalwayspleasinginfrank，modestmanlinesssuchaswasstampedonMyles’shandsome，sturdyface。
NodoubttheKing’sheartwarmedtowardsthefledglingwarriorkneelinginthepathwaybeforehim。Hesmiledverykindlyashegavetheladhishandtokiss，andthatceremonydone，heldfasttothehard，brown，sinewyfistoftheyoungmanwithhissoftwhitehand，andraisedhimtohisfeet。
\"Bythemass！\"saidhe，lookingMylesoverwithsmilingeyes，\"thouartarightchampioningoodsooth。SuchasthouarthaplywasSirGalahadwhenhecametoArthur’scourt。Andsotheytellme，thouhaststomachtobrooktheSieurdelaMontaigne，thattougholdboarofDauphiny。Hastthouingoodsooththecouragetofacehim？Knowestthouwhatagreatthingitisthatthouhastsetuponthyself——todobattle，eveninsport，withhim？\"
\"Yea，yourMajesty，\"answeredMyles，\"wellIwotitisataskhaplybeyondme。ButgladlywouldItakeuponmeevenagreaterventure，andonemoredangerous，todoyourMajesty’spleasure！\"
TheKinglookedpleased。\"Nowthatwasrightwellsaid，youngman，\"saidhe，\"andIlikeitbetterthatitcamefromsuchyoungandhonestlips。DostthouspeakFrench？\"
\"Yea，yourMajesty，\"answeredMyles。\"InsomesmallmeasuredoI
so。\"
\"Iamgladofthat，\"saidtheKing；\"forsoImaymaketheeacquaintedwithSieurdelaMontaigne。\"
Heturnedasheendedspeaking，andbeckonedtoaheavy，thick—set，black—browedchevalierwhostoodwiththeothergentlemenattendantsatalittledistance。Hecameinstantlyforwardinanswertothesummons，andtheKingintroducedthetwotooneanother。Aseachtooktheotherformallybythehand，hemeasuredhisopponenthastily，bodyandlimb，andperhapseachthoughtthathehadneverseenastronger，stouter，better—knitmanthantheoneuponwhomhelooked。Butneverthelessthecontrastbetwixtthetwowasverygreat——Myles，young，boyish，fresh—faced；theother，bronzed，weatherbeaten，andseamedwithagreatwhitescarthatranacrosshisforeheadandcheek；theoneanovice，theotherawarriorseasonedintwoscorebattles。
Afewpolitephrasespassedbetweenthetwo，theKinglisteningsmiling，butwithanabsentandfar—awaylookgraduallystealinguponhisface。Astheyendedspeaking，alittlepauseofsilencefollowed，andthentheKingsuddenlyarousedhimself。
\"So，\"saidhe，\"Iamgladthatyetwoareacquainted。Andnowwewillleaveouryouthfulchampioninthycharge，Beaumont——andinthine，MonSieur，aswell——andsosoonastheproperceremoniesareended，wewilldubhimknightwithourownhands。Andnow，Mackworth，andthoumyLordCount，letuswalkalittle；IhavebethoughtmefurtherconcerningthesethreescoreextramenforDauphiny。\"
ThenMyleswithdrew，underthechargeofLordGeorgeandtheSieurdelaMontaigneandwhiletheKingandthetwonobleswalkedslowlyupanddownthegravelpathbetweenthetallrose—
bushes，Mylesstoodtalkingwiththegentlemenattendants，findinghimself，withacertaintriumphantexultation，thepeerofanyandtheheroofthehour。
ThatnightwasthelastthatMylesandGascoynespentlodginginthedormitoryintheirsquirehoodservice。ThenextdaytheywereassignedapartmentsinLordGeorge’spartofthehouse，andthithertheytransportedthemselvesandtheirbelongings，amidtheawestruckwonderandadmirationoftheirfellow—squires。
CHAPTER24
InMylesFalworth’sdayoneofthegreatestceremoniesofcourtlylifewasthatofthebestowalofknighthoodbytheKing，withthehonorsoftheBath。Byfarthegreaternumberofknightswereatthattimecreatedbyotherknights，orbynobles，orbyofficersofthecrown。TobeknightedbytheKinginpersondistinguishedtherecipientforlife。ItwasthissignalhonorthattheEarl，forhisownpurposes，wishedMylestoenjoy，andforthisendhehadlaidnotafewplans。
Theaccoladewasthetermusedforthecreationofaknightuponthefieldofbattle。Itwasarewardofvalororofmeritoriousservice，andwasgenerallybestowedinamoreorlessoff—handway；buttheceremonyoftheBathwasanoccasionofthegreatestcourtlymoment，anditwasthusthatMylesFalworthwastobeknightedinadditiontothehonorofaroyalbelting。
AquaintoldbooktreatingofknighthoodandchivalrygivesafullanddetailedaccountofallthecircumstancesoftheceremonyofacreationofaKnightoftheBath。Ittellsusthatthecandidatewasfirstplacedunderthecareoftwosquiresofhonor，\"graveandwellseenincourtshipandnurture，andalsoinfeatsofchivalry，\"whichsamewerelikewisetobegovernorsinallthingsrelatingtothecominghonors。
Firstofall，thebarbershavedhim，andcuthishairinacertainpeculiarfashionordainedfortheoccasion，thesquiresofhonorsupervisingtheoperation。Thisbeingconcluded，thecandidatewassolemnlyconductedtothechamberwherethebathoftepidwaterwasprepared，\"hungwithinandwithoutwithlinen，andlikewisecoveredwithrichclothsandembroideredlinen。\"
Whileinthebathtwo\"ancient，grave，andreverendknights\"
attendedthebachelor，givinghim\"meetinstructionsintheorderandfeatsofchivalry。\"Thecandidatewasthenexaminedastohisknowledgeandacquirements，andthen，allquestionsbeingansweredtothesatisfactionofhisexaminers，theelderofthetwodippedahandfulofwateroutfromthebath，andpouredituponhishead，atthesametimesigninghisleftshoulderwiththesignofthecross。
Assoonasthisceremonywasconcluded，thetwosquiresofhonorhelpedtheirchargefromthebath，andconductedhimtoaplainbedwithouthangings，wheretheylethimrestuntilhisbodywaswarmanddry。Thentheycladhiminawhitelinenshirt，andoveritaplainrobeofrusset，\"girdledabouttheloinswitharope，andhavingahoodlikeuntoahermit。\"
Assoonasthecandidatehadarisen，thetwo\"ancientknights\"
returned，andallbeinginreadinesshewasescortedtothechapel，thetwowalking，oneuponeithersideofhim，hissquiresofhonormarchingbefore，andthewholepartyprecededby\"sundryminstrelsmakingaloudnoiseofmusic。\"
Whentheycametothechapel，thetwoknightswhoescortedhimtookleaveofthecandidate，eachsalutinghimwithakissuponthecheek。Nooneremainedwithhimbuthissquiresofhonor，thepriest，andthechandler。
Inthemeantimethenovitiate’sarmor，sword，lance，andhelmethadbeenlaidinreadinessbeforethealtar。Thesehewatchedandguardedwhiletheothersslept，keepingvigiluntilsunrise，duringwhichtime\"heshall，\"saystheancientauthority，\"passthenightinorisons，prayers，andmeditation。\"Atdaylightheconfessedtothepriest，heardmatins，andcommunicatedinmass，andthenpresentedalightedcandleatthealtar，withapieceofmoneystuckinitasclosetotheflameascouldbedone，thecandlebeingofferedtothehonorofGod，andthemoneytothehonorofthatpersonwhowastomakehimaknight。
Soconcludedthesacredceremony，whichbeingendedhissquiresconductedthecandidatetohischamber，andtheremadehimcomfortable，andlefthimtoreposeforawhilebeforethesecondandfinalpartoftheordinance。
SuchisashortenedaccountofthepreparatorystagesoftheceremoniesthroughwhichMylesFalworthpassed。
Mattershadcomeuponhimsosuddenlyoneaftertheother，andhadcomewithsuchbewilderingrapiditythatallthatweekwastohimlikesomestrange，wonderful，mysteriousvision。Hewentthroughitalllikeoneinadream。LordGeorgeBeaumontwasoneofhissquiresofhonor；theother，bywayofafittingcomplementtothecourageofthechivalrouslad，wastheSieurdelaMontaigne，hisopponentsoontobe。Theywerewellversedineverythingrelatingtoknightcraft，andMylesfollowedalltheirdirectionswithpassiveobedience。ThenSirJamesLeeandtheComtedeVermoiseadministeredtheceremonyoftheBath，theoldknightexamininghiminthelawsofchivalry。
Itoccursperhapsonceortwiceinone’slifetimethatonepassesthroughgreathappenings——sometimesofjoy，sometimesofdreadfulbitterness——injustsuchadazedstateasMylespassedthroughthis。Itisonlyafterwardsthatallcomesbacktoonesosharplyandkeenlythattheheartthrillsalmostinagonyinlivingitoveragain。Butperhapsofallthememoryofthattime，whenitafterwardscamebackpiecebypiece，nonewassocleartoMyles’sback—turnedvisionasthelongnightspentinthechapel，watchinghisarmor，thinkingsuchwonderfulthoughts，anddreamingsuchwonderfulwide—eyeddreams。AtsuchtimesMylessawagainthedarkmysteryofthecastlechapel；hesawagainthehalf—moongleamingwhiteandsilverythroughthetall，narrowwindow，andthrowingabroadformofstillwhitenessacrossstonefloor，emptyseats，andstill，motionlessfiguresofstoneeffigies。Atsuchtimeshestoodagaininfrontofthetwinklingtapersthatlitthealtarwherehisarmorlaypiledinaheap，heardagainthedeepbreathingofhiscompanionsofthewatchsleepinginsomeemptystall，wrappedeachinhiscloak，andsawtheoldchandlerbestirhimself，andriseandcomeforwardtosnuffthecandles。Atsuchtimeshesawagainthedaygrowingclearerandclearerthroughthetall，glazedwindows，sawitchangetoarosypink，andthentoabroad，ruddyglowthatthrewahalooflightaroundFatherThomas’sbaldheadbowedinsleep，andlitupthebannersandtrophieshangingmotionlessagainstthestonyfaceofthewestwall；heardagainthestirringoflifewithoutandthesoundofhiscompanionsarousingthemselves；sawthemcomeforward，andheardthemwishhimjoythathislongwatchwasended。