# How a Young Shepherd Had a Perilous Flock explained — The White Company

> Chapter companion for The White Company by Arthur Conan Doyle.

## What happens

Alleyne Edricson is offered the position of squire to Sir Nigel Loring and tutor to the Lady Maude. He examines the hall of Castle Twynham, is caught reading a romance by the Lady Maude, and accepts the role.

## Themes in this chapter

### Clash of Worlds: Monastery vs. World

Alleyne, bred in the cloisters, is thrust into the knightly and courtly world of Castle Twynham.

### Love and Courtship

The playful interaction between Alleyne and Lady Maude hints at budding romance.

### Chivalry and Honor

Sir Nigel's expectations of a squire include humility, service, and knightly skills.

## Character check-ins

### Alleyne Edricson

Offered the role of squire to Sir Nigel and tutor to Lady Maude; examines the hall and is caught reading a romance.

### Sir Nigel Loring

Interviews Alleyne for the squire position, discusses his baldness and need for hair curling.

### Lady Maude Loring

Observes Alleyne secretly with a mirror; is to be tutored by him in letters.

### Lady Mary Loring

Requests Alleyne to tutor Lady Maude and discusses his father and brother the Socman.

### Edric the Socman

Mentioned as Alleyne's brother who stirs up strife in the county.

## Key lines

> You have, as I understand, much learning which you have acquired at Beaulieu.

I hear you are well educated from your time at Beaulieu Abbey.

_Lady Mary Loring acknowledges Alleyne's education._

> It is for you also to bear the purse; for my sweet lord is of so free and gracious a temper that he would give it gayly to the first who asked alms of him.

You will also carry the money, because my husband is so generous he would give it away to the first beggar.

_Lady Mary explains one of Alleyne's duties as squire._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_white_company_se/chapters/xi-how-a-young-shepherd-had-a-perilous-flock
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_white_company_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_white_company_se/chapters