Page 51 - A Knight of the White Cross

The official in charge of them sat at the head of the table, and the meal was
eaten in silence. After it was over and they had retired to their own rooms

discipline was at an end, and they were free to amuse themselves as they
liked. There were many questions to be asked and answered, but his display

of strength and skill in the courtyard saved Gervaise from a good deal of
the teasing to which a newcomer among a party of boys is always exposed.

He, on his part, learnt that the duties of the pages were very light. Two only
were on duty each day, being in constant attendance on the grand master,

and accompanying him wherever he went. When he dined in public four of
them waited on him at table, and one of them performed the duties of taster.
If he returned to the palace after dark, six others lined the staircase with

torches. On occasions of state ceremony, and at the numerous religious
festivals, all were in attendance. By this time Gervaise's trunks had been

brought over from the English auberge, where they had been conveyed
from the ship, and his garments were taken out and inspected by his
comrades, who all admitted that they were, in point of beauty of colour and

material, and in fashion, equal to their own.

"You will have to get one more suit, Gervaise," one of the lads said. "At
one or two of the grand ceremonies every year we are all dressed alike; that
is the rule. On other occasions we wear what we choose, so that our

garments are handsome, and I think it looks a good deal better than when
we are dressed alike; though no doubt in religious processions that is more

appropriate. De Ribaumont, our governor, will give orders for the supply of
your state costume. He is a good fellow. Of course, he has to be rather strict
with us; but so long as there is nothing done that he considers discreditable

to our position, he lets us do pretty nearly as we like.

"We have four hours a day at our military exercises, and two hours with the
sub-chaplain, who teaches us our books and religious duties. The rest of our
time we can use as we like, except that every day eight of us ride for two

hours and practise with the lance; for although it is at sea we fight the
Moslems, we are expected to become finished knights in all matters. These

eight horses are kept for our service, and such as choose may at other times
ride them. On Saturdays we are free from all our exercises; then some of us