"Alas!" said Eustace, "I have seen nothing but the muster of arms
at Taunton!"

D'Aubricour laughed. "Look not downcast on it," said he; "you have
time before you and one year at Bordeaux is worth four elsewhere.
But I forget, you are the young clerk; and yet that scarcely accords
with that bright eye of yours, and the weapon at your side."

"They spoke once of making me a clerk," said Eustace; "but I hope
to show my brother that I am fit for his own way of life. Sir
Squire, do but tell me, do you think I look unfit to sustain the
honour of my name?"

"Mere strength is little," said the Squire, "else were that comely
giant John Ingram, the best warrior in the army. Nor does height
reckon for much; Du Guesclin himself is of the shortest. Nor do
you look like the boy over whose weakly timid nature I have heard
Sir Reginald lament," he proceeded, surveying him with a critical
eye.

Eustace had, in fact, hardly reached the middle height, and was
very slender; his limbs were, however, well proportioned, his
step firm, and every movement full of activity and grace. His
face, shaded with bright chestnut hair, was of a delicate
complexion, the features finely moulded, and the usual cast of
expression slightly thoughtful; but there was frequently, and
especially at this moment, a bright kindling light in the dark
blue eyes, which changed the whole countenance from the grave
and refined look of the young scholar to the bold ardent glance