"Father Thomas, you have taught me a lesson I required," he admitted. "I thank you. I will try to win my first victory over myself."
He choked and blinked his eyes hard.
"It is very long to wait," he added.
"It is very long," answered Father Thomas gently, "but the good knight schools himself to place his faith in Our Lady and studies how he may achieve merit in Her blessed sight. Doubt not, Hugh, an you strive lustily and with perfect faith, in the end you shall win to content."
"Must I tarry here the whole of another year?" pleaded Hugh.
"You must," said Prior Thomas firmly. "We dare not ignore the bond our brethren made with Sir James on the sacred bones of St. Cuthbert of Crowden."
"A year," groaned Hugh.
Yet the next morning he contrived to present a smiling face to veil his discontent, as he bade farewell to Edith on the London Road.
"A year hence you will be following me," she laughed to him, for she seemed as carefree as he.
"Ay, you may look for me," he answered steadily.