“But what use would they be to me didst thou leave me alone in the world, Father?”
“Thou wilt never be alone, God will be ever with thee, He is the Father of the fatherless; should aught happen to drive thee hence, thee and others, take refuge with thy foster-parents until one seek thee, bearing this ring which thou seest on my finger, to him thou mayest safely commit thyself, and the secrets I am about to entrust thee for him.”
Here the tapestry moved in the wind, and a knock was heard at the door, which stood ajar; a fact the Abbot had not noticed.
To Cuthbert’s surprise there stood Nicholas Grabber.
“Quid vis fili?” was the Abbot’s interrogation.
“The lay brother Francis said that thou wantedst me.”
“It was an error, I sent for Cuthbert, and he is here. Pax tecum, go to rest.”
“My son,” said the Abbot, when Grabber was gone, “I am about to reveal to thee a mystery which thou alone mayest share, until the friend I have mentioned seeks thee, and presents thee with this ring, which thou now seest on my finger; it will not be till I am gone.”
Cuthbert felt his spirits sink within him at the sad words of his protector, but he restrained himself, and listened reverently as to the words of a saint.
“Shut the door carefully, and draw the bolt.”