Even as she spoke, the door opened and Father Benedict towered above them in his impressive robes.
“Yes?” he inquired. The word was mildly spoken but with no cordiality.
“Good afternoon, Father,” said Penny brightly. “I hope you don’t mind our coming here again. We’re deeply interested in the work you’re doing and would like to learn more about the cult.”
“A story for newspaper publication?”
“Oh, no!” Penny assured him, reading displeasure in his eyes. “We’re just interested on general principles. No one sent us.”
The monk relaxed slightly but still did not invite the girls in. “I am very busy today,” he said. “Perhaps another time—”
“Oh, but we’ll be in school after this weekend, Father.”
“We are preparing for a ceremonial to be held in the cloister,” Father Benedict frowned. “I deeply regret—”
“Oh, a ceremonial!” Penny interrupted eagerly. “May we see it?”
“That is not allowed. Only members of our cult may take part or observe.”