And your journey, I trust that
it was pleasant?"
"As heart could wish. We had sight of two rover galleys, and
even came to have some slight bickering with them."
"Ever in luck's way, Nigel!" quoth Sir John. "We must hear the
tale anon. But I deem it best that ye should leave your squires
and come with me, for, howsoe'er pressed the prince may be, I am
very sure that he would be loth to keep two old comrades-in-arms
upon the further side of the door. Follow close behind me, and I
will forestall old Sir William, though I can scarce promise to
roll forth your style and rank as is his wont." So saying, he led
the way to the inner chamber, the two companions treading close
at his heels, and nodding to right and left as they caught sight
of familiar faces among the crowd.
CHAPTER XIX
HOW THERE WAS STIR AT THE ABBEY OF ST. ANDREW'S.
The prince's reception-room, although of no great size, was
fitted up with all the state and luxury which the fame and power
of its owner demanded. A high dais at the further end was roofed
in by a broad canopy of scarlet velvet spangled with silver
fleurs-de-lis, and supported at either corner by silver rods.
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