han his years.

His delicacy appealed particularly to his brother Philip, who was always
ready to stand his friend, when his elder brother Robin was inclined to
exercise a boyish tyranny over him.

'Yes, forsooth, Thomas, you shall ride old Joan. Come, let me see you
mount. That is it, spring into the saddle; nay, do not take the rein so
slackly, and settle firmly in the saddle, nor use the stirrup for support.
A man should be able to ride with nothing but himself to trust to for a
safe seat.'

Thomas was triumphant, and resisted his governess's attempts to throw a
cape over his shoulders, saying,--

'The wind was in the east, and would be like to bite their heads off when
they turned into the country.'

But Thomas threw off the wrap with an impatient gesture, and, in falling,
it hit the good woman on the face.

'Ask pardon at once, Thomas,' Philip said sternly; 'nor forget the manners
of a gentleman, while you aspire to ride as one.'

The colour rose to the boy's fair face, and, stooping from the saddle, he
said,--

'I am sorry I was rude, Mistress Margery, but oh! I hate to be treated as a
babe.'

Mistress Margery was easily mollified. She conspired with the rest of the
family to spoil the boy, of whom it was said that he resembled his sister
Ambrosia, who died of wasting sickness and was buried at Ludlow.

But Thomas had a brave spirit if his body was weak, and to all the
refinement of his race he added indomitable courage and a perseverance
which surmounted what seemed insuperable barriers.

When the avant-couriers had ridden off, Philip turned to Lucy.

'On which horse are you to ride, Mistress Forrester? Let me lift you to
your place.'

Lucy was trembling with joy that Mr Sidney should care for her comfort,
and, as we all know, joy lies very near the fount of tears.

She dare scarcely trust herself to speak, as she heard Mr Sidney call a
groom to bring up the grey horse, Prince, for Mistress Forrester.

'Poor old Prince!' Philip said, stroking the horse's neck, who knew his
hand and bowed his head in acknowledgment, 'he has been a trusty servant,
and will carry you safely, I know. But bring hither another cushion for the
pillion,' he called to an attendant, 'and put a package below, for Mistress
Forrester's feet to rest upon.'

Then he lifted Lucy to her place, saying, as he did so,--

'Methinks Prince will not complain of the burden he has to carry to-day, it
is but a feather's weight. See, p