The monk gave a nod.
"I left Avalon. It seemed as if without her my life were ebbing away. I joined a pilgrim party, and now my pilgrimage is ended. What must I do to still this inward craving that will not leave my soul at peace?"
He ended in a sob.
The monk had relapsed into deep thought, and Tristan's eyes were riveted on the ascetic form in silent dread, as to what would be the verdict.
At last Odo broke the heavy silence.
"You have committed a grievous sin—adultery—nay, speak not!" he said, as Tristan attempted to remonstrate against the dire accusation. "The seed of every act slumbers in the mind ere its pernicious shoots are manifest in deeds. He who looks upon a woman with the desire to possess her has already committed adultery with her. Yet—not one in a thousand would have done so nobly under such temptation!"
The monk's voice betrayed some feeling as he placed his hand on Tristan's bowed head.
"I shall consider what penances are most fit for one who has transgressed as you have, my son. It is for your future life—perchance Holy Orders—"
Tristan raised his head imploringly.
"Not that, father,—not that! I am not fit!"