of twelve, so that they become professed knights at thirteen. Your
son is now but nine, you say, and we must remember that D'Aubusson
is not yet Grand Master, and Orsini may live for some years yet.
D'Aubusson, however, can doubtless get him to appoint the boy
as one of his pages. But, in any case, there are three years yet
to be passed before he can go out. Doubtless these he will spend
under his mother's care; but as it is as well to provide against
everything, I will furnish your dame with a letter to the knight
who will probably succeed me as Grand Prior of the English langue,
asking him to see to the care and education of the boy up to the
time when he can proceed to Rhodes. We may hope, my dear Tresham,
that there will be no occasion to use such documents, and that you
and I may both be able personally to watch over his career. Still,
it is as well to take every precaution. I shall, of course, give
D'Aubusson full particulars about you, your vow, and your wishes."

"I thank you greatly, old friend," Sir Thomas said. "It has taken
a load off my mind. I shall leave him here with his mother when
we march forward, and bid her, if ill befalls me, cross again to
France, and then to keep Gervaise with her until she can bring
herself to part with him. She has her jewels and a considerable
sum of money which I accepted from the man who has been enjoying
my estates for the last five years, in lieu of the monies that he
had received during that time. Therefore, she will not lack means
for some years to come. Besides, Queen Margaret has a real affection
for her, and will, doubtless, be glad to have her with her again
in exile."

"When I am old enough," Gervaise said, suddenly looking up from a
missal of the Grand Prior's which he had been examining, "I will