When William de Breauté and the priest reached the door of the chapel on Bromham Bridge, the latter simply pointed to it, saying,--
"There is the bird in the cage. But the key of the cage is in the keeping of the Church."
After this parabolic remark, he led De Breauté away again to a small hostelry, where they entered a private room. De Breauté perceived that the priest had a proposal to make, but waited for him to begin.
"Thou spakest anon of guerdon to Holy Church for helping thee on with thy plans in hand," the priest commenced.
"Ay, in good sooth," said De Breauté, seeing that the ecclesiastic meant business; "or a reward to her servants," he added. "Speak! what wouldst thou--money, lands, wealth?"
Fixing his cunning dark eyes on his companion's face, the latter answered in one word,--
"Power!"
"Ah, pardie! and what have I to do with the advancement of churchmen?" said De Breauté, with a shrug. "Our name is in no good odour with Mother Church at this time, forsooth!"
The priest smiled sardonically.
"Certes, I have no wish that your brother Fulke should recommend me for high office among the Benedictines of St. Alban's, for example."