“That may not be here,” said the warden, gravely. “Some were for flinging him into gaol, but they hearkened to me so far that he will be but heavily fined, and sent from the city, never to return. Speak not of him. I would rather not grieve on this day. But first, before I hand thee over to Joan, who doth not yet feel she hath had her share, first tell me which corbel thou wilt choose? I counsel the one opposite to that thou hast finished. There is no fairer position for showing the beauty of thy work.”
But Hugh shook his head.
“Nay, I have set my heart upon another.”
“And which is that?”
“It is the first which was allotted to me, that on the left as you enter the choir, where the rood-screen is to stand.”
“That!” said Gervase, disappointed. “Bethink thee, Hugh, it is not so well seen as any of the others.”
“Thou hast ever taught us, goodman, that we should give as good work to the parts which are not seen as to the rest,” said Hugh, mischievously. “But, in truth, I have thought so much of that corbel, and let my fancies play about it so long, that it seems more mine own than any. Let me have it.”
“Nay, thou must choose for thyself, for none of us can gainsay thee.”
“And the other should be kept for thee. I know the guild would have thy work before any man’s.”
Gervase’s eyes brightened.