"I should like the youth as my page. He is the kind I could well use. And I promise you that he shall come back to you so that neither you nor his mother shall have reason to be other than proud of him. He will be of great help to me when I reach Rome for I purpose to journey there, I know naught of the tongue." "Have you told the lad, as yet?" the father asked. "I thought it best that either you or your lady speak first with him and then will I." "That is a gracious deed on your part, my knight. And if it bears fruit or not, I shall indeed be in your debt." "Not so, Sir Guilbert. For the boy will but have such chance as I was given by Sir Percival when I was even younger than he." CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE Sir Galahad Offers Help It was but a week and a day later that Sir Galahad proceeded further. With him was the faithful Walker who was overly pleased to be on his way and also Charles, the young son of Sir Guilbert. Eager was the lad and highly pleased to go forth with the brave knight. Sir Galahad had had hopes of meeting Sir Launcelot who had planned to be in Normandy, and Merlin as well. But he would wait no longer, he was in no mood to tarry now. There came a day of storm, fierce was the rain and sleet and the wind so strong that the knight, and his party found it arduous task to keep the road. Sir Galahad decided to stop and seek shelter at the first refuge that they should find. A little later they came to an old but magnificent castle and in answer to the summons of Walker, an ancient man appeared. "What will you?" the old man quavered. "My master seeks shelter until the storm passes. He is a worshipful knight. Go you to your master with his request." The man hobbled within the castle. Soon he returned. "There is no master here but my mistress bids me welcome the worshipful knight and beseech his entrance." So they went within and the old man threw logs on the open fire which blazed right merrily. Sir Galahad and the two with him made themselves comfortable. Soon food and drink was brought to them of which they partook with good grace. The storm did not subside and night came on. "Old man," Sir Galahad said to the ancient servitor. "Pay you my respects to the lady whose hospitality we enjoy and ask that she grace us with her presence. Tell her that it is Sir Galahad, Knight of the Round Table, who seeks it." There came a long wait which left the three a wondering. Then there came forth a lady who was followed by the ancient servitor. Stately she was and of noble bearing. Yet it could be seen that she was fearful and disturbed. "My lord wished my presence?" she asked and her tone was tremulous. "I owe you apology for this disturbance," the knight said courteously. "But we also owe you thanks for your gracious hospitality. There seems need that we disturb you further since the storm stays and we cannot proceed as we would. May we find lodging within your walls?" The lady looked fearfully about.