Ralph,' he said, 'you must stay and dine with us. You are one of
us now, and Lancelot must not lose you on this first day of fair
meeting.'

I was indeed glad to accept, for Lancelot's sake. But there was another
reason in my heart which made me glad also, and that reason was that I
should see the girl again who was my Captain's darling, the sister whom
Lancelot had kissed.

So I said that I would come gladly, if so be that I had time to run home
and tell my mother, lest she might be keeping dinner for me.

'That's right, lad, that's right. Ever think of the feelings of others.'

My Captain was always full of moral counsels and maxims of good conduct,
but they came from him as naturally as his breath, and his own life was
so honourable that there was nothing sanctimonious in his way or his
words.

As I was about to start he begged me to assure my mother that if she
would join them at table he would consider it an honour. I thanked him
with tears in my eyes, and saluting them all I left the inn quickly,
with the last sweet smile of that girl's burning in my memory.

CHAPTER XI

A FEAST OF THE GODS

I sped through the streets to our house as swiftly, I am sure, as that
ancient messenger of the Pagan gods--he that had the wings tied to his
feet that he might travel the faster. My dear mother was rejoiced at the
Captain's kindness, but she would by no means hear of coming with me.
She bade me return with speed, that I might not keep the company
waiting, and to thank the Captain for her with all my heart for his
kindness and condescension.

When I got back to the Noble Rose I found our little company all
assembled in the Dolphin. No one stayed my entrance this time, for
though the same fellow that I had tussled with before saw me enter he
made no objection this time, and even saluted me in a loutish manner;
for I was the Captain's friend, and as such claimed respect.

Lancelot was leaning against the mantelpiece, and Marjorie and my
Captain were sitting by plying him with questions and listening eagerly
to his answers. Lancelot had drawn off his travelling boots and spruced
himself, and looked a comely fellow. When I entered he broke off in what
he was saying to clasp my hand again, while the Captain rang for dinner,
expressing as he did so the civilest regrets at my mother's absence.
Then we all sat to table and dined together in the pleasantest
good-fellowship.

Never shall I forget that dinner, not