He spoke in a hesitating voice that showed his unwillingness, and Hal exclaimed, ‘My longbow is mine own, and so are my feet. Sir Giles, will you own me as an archer in your troop, where I will strive not to disgrace you or my name?’ ‘Bravely spoken, young lord,’ said Sir Giles heartily; ‘right willingly will I be your godfather in chivalry, since you find not one nigher home.’ ‘So may it best be,’ observed his mother, ‘since he is bent on going. Thus his name and rank may be kept back till it be plain whether the enmity of my Lords of Warwick and Montagu still remain against our poor house.’ There was no desire on either side to object when the Lord Musgrave of Peelholm decided on departing early on the morrow. Their host was evidently not sorry to speed them on their way, and his reluctant hospitality made them anxious to cumber him no longer than needful; and his mind was relieved when it was decided that the heir of the De Vescis and Cliffords should be known as Harry of Derwentdale. Only, when all was preparation in the morning, and a hearty service had been said in the chapel, the lady called her son aside, and looking up into his dark eyes, said in a low voice, ‘Be not angered with my lord husband’s prudence, my son. Remember it is only by caution that he has saved thine head, or mine, or thy sister’s!’ ‘Ay, ay, mother, I know,’ he said, more impatiently than perhaps he knew. ‘It was by the same care that he preserved us all when Edgecotefield was fought. Chafe not at him. Thou mayst be thankful even now, mayhap, to find a shelter preserved, while that rogue and robber Nevil holds our lands.’ ‘I am more like to have to protect thee, lady mother, and bring thee to thy true home again!’ said Hal. ‘Meantime, my child, take this purse and equip thyself at York or whenever thou canst. Nay, thou needst not shrug and refuse! How like thy father the gesture, though I would it were more gracious and seemly. But this is mine, mine own, none of my husband’s, though he would be willing. It comes from the De Vesci lands, and those will be thine after me, and thine if thou winnest not back thy Clifford inheritance. And oh! my son, crave of Sir Giles to teach thee how to demean thyself that they may not say thou art but a churl.’ ‘I trust to be no churl in heart, if I be in manners,’ said Hal, looking down on his small clinging mother. ‘Only be cautious, my son. Remember that you are the last of the name, and it is your part to bring it to honour.’ ‘Which I shall scarce do by being cautious,’ he said, with something of a smile. ‘That was not my father’s way.’ ‘Ah me! You have his spirit in you, and how did it end?’ ‘My Lord of Clifford,’ said a voice from the court, ‘you are waited for!’ ‘And remember,’ cried his mother, with a last embrace, ‘there will be safety here whenever thou shalt need it.’ ‘With God’s grace, I am more like to protect you and your husband,’ said the lad, bending for another kiss and hurrying away.