“What are we to do, Dom Anthony?”
“We can do nothing. We must stay. Remember that we are the only two who have any rights here now, before God.”
There was silence a moment. Chris glanced at the other, and was reassured by the steady look on his ruddy face.
“I will stay, Dom Anthony,” he said softly.
The other looked at him tenderly.
“God bless you, brother!” he said.
That night Dom Bernard and another were gone. And still the others made no sign or comment; and it was not until yet another pair had gone that Dom Anthony spoke plainly.
He was now the senior monk in the house; and it was his place to direct the business of the chapter. When the formal proceedings were over he stood up fearlessly.
“You cannot hide it longer,” he said. “I have known for some while what was impending.” He glanced round at the empty stalls, and his face flushed with sudden anger: “For God’s sake, get you gone, you who mean to go; and let us who are steadfast serve our Lord in peace.”
Chris looked along the few faces that were left; but they were downcast and sedate, and showed no sign of emotion.