The Abbot smiled; he liked to think himself loved.
"But who is this youth in lay attire?" and he smiled sweetly, for he liked to see a handsome youth.
"It is one Osric, who has brought letters commendatory from the Abbot of Dorchester."
"Our brother Alured—is he well?"
"He is well, my lord," replied Osric, as he bent the knee.
"And what dost thou seek, sweet son? dost wish to become a novice of our poor house of St. Benedict?"
"Nay, my good lord, it is in another vocation I wish to serve God."
"And that,—ah, I guess thou wishest to take the Cross and go to the Holy Land."
"I do with all my heart."