"Do so, my friend," said the English soldier; "and do the same the more speedily that our poor supper is still awaiting until thou art ready to partake of it."
"To which, I promise thee," said Bertram, "I am disposed to entertain, no delay."
"Follow me, then," said Dickson, "and I will show thee where this young bird of thine has his nest."
Their host accordingly tripped up the wooden stair, and tapped at a door, which he thus indicated was that of his younger guest.
"Your father," continued he, as the door opened, "would speak with you,
Master Augustine."
"Excuse me, my host," answered Augustine, "the truth is, that this room being directly above your eating-chamber, and the flooring not in the best possible repair, I have been compelled to the unhandsome practice of eavesdropping, and not a word has escaped me that passed concerning my proposed residence at the abbey, our journey to-morrow, and the somewhat early hour at which I must shake off sloth, and, according to thy expression, fly down from the roost."
"And how dost thou relish," said Dickson, "being left with the Abbot of
Saint Bride's little flock here."
"Why, well," said the youth, "if the abbot is a man of respectability becoming his vocation, and not one of those swaggering churchmen, who stretch out the sword, and bear themselves like rank soldiers in these troublous times."
"For that, young master," said Dickson, "if you let him put his hand deep enough into your purse, he will hardly quarrel with any thing." "Then I will leave him to my father," replied Augustine, "who will not grudge him any thing he asks in reason."
"In that case," replied the Scotchman, "you may trust to our abbot for good accommodation—and so both sides are pleased."