"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。