Francesco's head sank.
"The burden is mine to bear!"
A strange light shone in the Prior's eyes.
"Then it is not your own desire?"
Every vestige of color had left Francesco's face.
"It is my wish!"—
There was a brief pause.
"You are loyal to the memory of him who gave you life but to destroy it," nodded the Prior, as unconsciously he picked up the letter from the table. Signs of deeper inward emotion were revealed upon his face as, after regarding the youth with a gloomy interest, he said at last:
"For one raised at court you will find the life of the cloister arduous enough."
A flood of memories rushed with these words over Francesco.