"Why, how should I? I went with you."
"But by-and-bye--consider--the ring will be the key to a new life of pleasure and splendour."
"And even if it were the key to the cavern of the blessed--what do I want with it--I have you."
Donatus stood overpowered by this simple fidelity; at this moment the shepherd came forward, curious to see the strangers.
"Blessed be the name of the Lord!" he exclaimed in astonishment. "How comes a cloister-brother here?"
"Here, you man," said Beata quickly, "have you another smock frock?"
"Aye--my Sunday clothes and my cape; what does the girl want with them?"
"Give them here, coat, cape, and hat, this blind Brother has enemies--they are plotting against his life and that of his brethren--and if he cannot disguise himself in your clothes danger threatens him."
The man shook his head. "I want my clothes myself," he said, "particularly the cape and hat; I cannot do without them."
"Consider--you have a house to shelter you from wind and weather, and he has nothing if you refuse to give him the cape and hat. Look here, I will give you this ring for them, it is of pure gold--you may believe me, only don't consider any longer. I will mind your sheep--help him to put them on, and then we will burn the monk's dress."