That evening Hugh ate his food seated among the knights of the Household
at a high table in the great hall, at the head of which, for the King
supped in private, was placed the young Prince Edward. He noted that now
none laughed at him about the fashion of his mail or his country ways.
Indeed, when after supper Sir Ambrose Lacey came to him and asked his
pardon for the talk that he had used to him in the Windsor street--he
was sure that some word had been sent round that his business had
brought him favour with the King and that he must be treated with all
courtesy. Several of those who sat round him tried to discover what that
business was. But of this he would say nothing, parrying their questions
with others about the wars in France, and listening with open ears to
the tales of great deeds done there.
"Ah, would that I could see such things!" he said.
To which one of them answered:
"Well, why not? There'll be chance enough ere long, and many of us would
be glad of a square built like you."
Now, at lower tables, in that vast hall, Hugh's servants, and with them
Grey Dick, sat among the men-at-arms of the King's Guard, who were all
chosen for their courage, and skill in archery. These soldiers, noting
the strange-faced, ashen-haired fellow who ate with his bow resting on
the bench beside him, inquired about him from the other Dunwich men, and
soon heard enough to cause them to open their eyes.
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