It must be remembered that Lanfranc was the abbot of a Benedictine monastery ere he was called to Canterbury {[xxiii]}.
"Is he English or Norman? Hath he told thee his errand?"
"English. He hath travelled far, and says that his errand is one of life or death."
"Let him enter," said the primate.
A man in a faded Benedictine habit, evidently spent with travel, appeared at the door. His beard was of long growth, his hair was uncombed, and his whole appearance that of a man who had passed through perils of no small difficulty and danger.
Lanfranc gazed fixedly at him, and seemed to strive to read his character in his face.
"Pax tibi, frater; I perceive thou art of our order. At what monastery hast thou made thy profession?"
"At the priory of St. Wilfred, Aescendune," said Father Kenelm, for it was he, as he bent the knee to the primate.
"A pious and learned home, doubtless, but its fame has not reached my ears."
"But it has mine," said Geoffrey, who started and listened with great attention.