Norbert took a step forward and began to listen earnestly.

"You have more liberty now," continued Daumon. "Pray, does your father
know how you employ your time?"

"He knows that I can do nothing but shoot."

"Well, I know what I would do if I were your age."

"And what would that be?"

"First of all, I would stay at home sufficiently often not to arouse
papa's suspicions, and the rest of my leisure I would spend in Poitiers,
which is a very pleasant town. I could take nice rooms in which I could
be my own master. At Champdoce I could keep to my peasant's clothes, but
in Poitiers I would be dressed by the best tailor. I should pick up
a few boon companions amongst the jolly students, and have plenty of
friends, ladies as well as gentlemen. I would dance, sing, and drink,
and would dip into every kind of life, so that----"

He paused for a second and then said, "There ought to be a fast horse or
so in your father's stables, eh? Well then, if there are, why not take
one for your own riding? Then at night, when you are supposed to be
snug between the sheets, creep down to the stable, clap a bridle on
the horse, and, hey, presto! you are in Poitiers. Put on the clothes
suitable to the handsome young noble you are, and have a joyous carouse
with your many companions; and if you do, next day, not choose to go
back until the morning, the servants will only tell your father that you
are out shooting."