After Mass the Community was summoned to the Chapter room to learn from the lips of the Father Superior that Brother Anselm had broken his vows and left the Order. Brother Dunstan, who wore round his neck the nib with which Brother Anselm signed his profession, burst into tears. Brother Dominic looked down his big nose to avoid the glances of his brethren. If Easter Sunday had been gloomy, Low Sunday was gloomier still, and as for the Feast of St. George nobody had the courage to think what that would be like with such a cloud hanging over the Community.
Mark felt that he could not stay even until the patronal festival. If Brother George or Brother Birinus had broken his vows, he could have borne it more easily, for he had not witnessed their profession; fond he might be of the Prior, but he had worked for human souls under the orders of Brother Anselm. He went to Father Burrowes and begged to leave on Monday.
"Brother Athanasius and Brother Chad are leaving tomorrow," said the Father Superior, "Yes, you may go."
Brother Simon drove them to the station. Strange figures they seemed to each other in their lay clothes.
"I've been meaning to go for a long time," said Brother Athanasius, who was now Percy Wade. "And it's my belief that Brother George and Brother Birinus won't stay long."
"I hoped never to go," said Brother Chad, who was now Cecil Masters.
"Then why are you going?" asked the late Brother Athanasius. "I never do anything I don't want to do."
"I think I shall be more help to Brother Anselm than to soldiers in London," said the late Brother Chad.
Mark beamed at him.
"That's just like you, Brother. I am so glad you're going to do that."