“We would have supper,” Rupert said; “and while that is preparing we would, if it is not too late, order some clothes more in the mode than these.  Can you direct us to a tailor?”

“You cannot do better,” the landlord said, “than visit my neighbour, Master John Haliford.  His shop is just opposite, and he makes for many of our best city folk, and for more than one of the gentry of the Court.”

Rupert thanked him, and they crossed the street to the shop indicated.

The landlord looked after them with a puzzled air.

“It is not often that Joe Miles cannot guess the quality and errand of his guests, but this time he is floored.  Has that young spark run away from home?  I hardly think so, for he speaks gravely, and without haste; lads who have run away may generally be known by their speaking in a hurry, and as if anxious.  They are both well mounted; the younger is clearly of the higher estate, although but meanly dressed; nor does the other seem like his lackey.  What are they talking about outside neighbour Haliford’s shop, I wonder?  I would give a silver penny to know.  I will walk over presently, and smoke a pipe with him, and hear what he thinks of them.”

The conversation which the host of the Bell had wished he could overhear was as follows: 

Hugh began it.

“Look, Master Rupert, before we go into the shop, let us talk over what you are going to order.”

“I am going to order a walking suit, Hugh, and a court suit for myself, and a suit for you.”

“Yes, but what sort of a suit, Master Rupert?”

“I should say a walking suit, Hugh, such as would become a modest citizen.”

“That’s just it, Master Rupert.  So far you have treated me as a friend; but now, sir, it must be different, for to do so any longer would not be seemly.  You are going to be an officer.  I am going to follow you as a trooper; but till we go to the war I must be dressed as your retainer.  Not a lackey, perhaps, but a sort of confidential retainer.  That will be best, Master Rupert, in every way.”

Rupert was silent for a moment.

“Well, Hugh, perhaps that would be best; but you must remember that whatever we are before others, we are always friends when we are alone.”

“Very well,” Hugh said, “that is understood; but you know that alone or before others, I shall always be your faithful servant.”

“What can I make you, sir?” the tailor asked, as the lads entered his shop.

Master Haliford was a small man; neat in his dress; a little fussy in manner.  He was very upright, and seemed to look under rather than through the pair of horn spectacles which he wore.  His look changed from affability to doubt as he took a nearer look at his intending customers.

“I need a suit such as a gentleman might wear at court,” Rupert said, quietly, “and a walking or ordinary suit for myself; and a suit such as would be worn by a trusted retainer for my friend here.”