"For becoming a Norman!"
"Malebouche!" called Brian.
The seneschal descended.
"Take this youth to the wardrobe, and fit him with a page's suit; he rides with me to-day. Feed the old man, and set him free."
He sent for Alain, the chief and leader amongst his pages—a sort of cock of the walk.
"Alain, that English boy we found in the woods rides with us to-day. Mark me, neither tease, nor bully him thyself, nor allow thy fellows to do so. Thou knowest that I will be obeyed."
"My lord," said the lad, "I will do my best. What is the name of our new companion?"
"'Fitz-urse'—that is enough."
"I should say Fitz-daim," muttered the youngster, as soon as he was outside.