"I learn from your lord's letter that you will be, as usual, under pay
from him while you are with me. I shall pay you as much more. 'Tis meet
that, if you render me service, I should see that you are comfortable,
and well contented."
There was a murmur of satisfaction among the men and, after
recommending them to the care of the captain of the garrison, and
bidding Alwyn speak in the name of his men, fearlessly, for anything
that should be lacking, Sir Edmund left the courtyard.
The seneschal of the castle, Sir John Wyncliffe, requested Oswald to
follow him. He first showed him the chamber, in one of the turrets,
that he was to occupy; and then took him down to the hall, where two
other knights, four esquires, and two or three pages were assembled, in
readiness for the supper.
Mortimer, with his wife and two daughters, presently came down and took
his place at the head of the table; at which the others sat down, in
order of their rank. As a guest, Oswald was placed among the knights.
Before sitting down, Sir Edmund presented him to his wife and
daughters.
"This is one of Sir Henry Percy's esquires," he said, "and can give you
more news of Sir Percy's wife; of whom, beyond saying that she sends
her greetings to you all, Hotspur tells us nothing.
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