"How couldst thou? Thou canst never return to Wallingford, or take part in the horrible warfare, which, nevertheless, is slowly working out God's Will. No; go abroad, as thou art now bound to do, and never return to England until thou canst do so with honour."
"Thou biddest me go at once?"
"Without wasting a day."
"What steps must I take?"
"Dost thou know a moated grange called Lollingdune, in the parish of Chelseye?"
"Well."
"It is an infirmary for Reading Abbey, and the Abbot is expected to-morrow; thou must go, furnished with credentials from our Abbot Alured. The Abbot of Reading is a mitred abbot, and has power to accept thy vows and make thee a knight of the Cross. I doubt if even Brian would dare touch thee then; but keep out of his way till that time; go not by way of Wallingford."
"That were madness. I will make across country."
"And now, dear son, come to noon-meat; I hear the refectory bell."