“We were just leaving,” said Penny. “I’m really deeply interested in your society here. May I come sometime soon to watch a ceremony?”
The monk gazed at her sharply but answered in a polite voice:
“Later, when we are better organized and have our house in order, we shall be most happy to have you.”
On the way out of the building, through the chilly cloister and gloomy hall, Penny looked carefully about for the girl who so stealthily had opened the door of the monk’s study.
She saw no one. Mr. Ayling and Father Benedict, she was certain, were unaware of the incident which had so startled her.
“It wasn’t imagination,” she thought. “I did see the door open. But it may not have been that girl Louise and I met last night. Probably it was a member of Mr. Highland’s cult.”
Deeply puzzled, Penny decided that if an opportunity presented itself, she would revisit the monastery another day.
At the front door of the building, Father Benedict turned to bid his guests goodbye. Before he could retreat, a loud commotion was heard near the gatehouse.
The monk listened intently and with evident annoyance. “My! My! What now?” he sighed. “Are we to have no peace and quiet within our walls?”
Near the front gate, Winkey could be seen arguing with a stout, middle-aged man in a racoon coat who carried an easel and a palette under his arm.