"
When he had made an end, there was silence in the Chapter. Break
cloister, the Prior himself urging them thereto? The Convent might
scarce credit its ears.
Prior Hilarius watched his children with a tender smile on his
white face, and a prayer on his lips that love might have its
triumph.
Five monks stood up, among them the Sub-Prior, and seven novices
sprang also to their feet.
"Nay, Brother Walter," said Hilarius, turning to the Sub-Prior,
"this flock must have its shepherd also; thy place is here. But I
will take with me Brother Simon and Brother Leo, who will doubtless
suffice at first for the ministry, and--" smiling at the novices--
"all these dear lads to tend the sick and bury the dead."
The Sub-Prior ventured on a remonstrance.
"Good Father, it is not fitting that thou should'st go on such an
errand; send me in thy stead, for my life is a small thing as
compared with thine. Moreover these novices, 'tis but the other
day the Master gave them as lazy and ill-conditioned, and--"
The Prior held up his hand.
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