"
xvj crowns were a heavy sum in those days, and Lord Whitburn vowed
that he had never so called on his father except when he was
knighted, but those were the good old days when spoil was to be won
in France. What could Rob want of such a sum?
"Well-a-day, sir, the house of the Duke of York is no place to stint
in. The two young Earls of March and of Rutland, as they call them,
walk in red and blue and gold bravery, and chains of jewels, even
like king's sons, and none of the squires and pages can be behind
them."
"Black Lightning too, my best colt, when I deemed the lad fitted out
for years to come. I never sent home the like message to my father
under the last good King Henry, but purveyed myself of a horse on the
battlefield more than once. But those good old days are over, and
lads think more of velvet and broidery than of lances and swords.
Forsooth, their coats-of-arms are good to wear on silk robes instead
of helm and shield; and as to our maids, give them their rein, and
they spend more than all the rest on women's tawdry gear!"
Poor Grisell! when she had bought nothing ornamental, and nothing for
herself except a few needles.
However, in spite of murmurs, the xvj crowns were raised and sent
away with Black Lightning; and as time went on Grisell became more
and more a needful person. Bernard was stronger, and even rode out
on a pony, and the fame of his improvement brought other patients to
the Lady Grisell from the vassals, with whom she dealt as best she
might, successfully or the reverse, while her mother, as her health
failed, let fall more and more the reins of household rule.
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