“Then a thousand times welcome. Your father was a brave knight and a noble gentleman. From to-day you shall serve under my banner, and you will have ample opportunities to earn your knightly spurs.” Thereupon he shook the young man’s hand heartily.
“I thank you for your confidence, noble sir,” replied the new adherent, with beaming eyes. “I will do my utmost to justify this confidence, but what I can do to earn my knightly spurs I do not yet know, partly because of my youth, and also, though it is no disgrace, partly because of my poverty.”
“Poverty! Your father had property.”
“Yes; but it was at Rouen, and it has fallen into the hands of the English.”
“Well, we will see that it is returned to you. But now tell me where you acquired your training.”
“Under my father, to whose retinue I was last attached.”
“Then you have also fought against the English?”
“Yes, I was in the battle in which my father fell and the Duke of Orleans was captured.”
“Then you are doubly welcome, my young friend,” warmly exclaimed the knight. “I well know I cannot take your father’s place, but I will do for you all that a man can.”
Overcome by such generosity, Jean pressed the knight’s proffered hand to his lips. His heart was too full for words. La Hire understood his silence, and admired him all the more. “You are from the neighborhood of Rouen, and are acquainted there?” he resumed.