"Nay, then God forbid that I should force you to break it, and since it is so I renounce the wish though with regret. But I tell you--and remember my words--if ever you find yourselves under the pressure of any need, if you are threatened by enemies, or if for any cause whatever you have occasion to crave any favour from me, send this youth to ask it, and, on my word of honour, whatever you ask shall be granted you. My noble husband will help me to fulfil this promise."
"Yes!" cried the Duke laughing. "By Heaven! your will is my will, Elizabeth, but now keep me no longer from my dinner, for I am almost dead of hunger."
Donatus stepped modestly up to the Abbot. "Father, you granted a dispensation for to-day, but give me leave, I entreat you, to keep myself from flesh and wine."
"Do as you will, if you do not wish for meat do not eat any."
"Yes, I wish for it, but for that reason I would deny myself," said Donatus in a low voice.
"You are right, my son," said the Abbot, and his eye rested with unutterable affection on the boy's pure brow.
The serving brother now brought in the first dish, and the Duchess signed to the Abbot to sit by her side.
"Where are your ladies, Madam?" asked the Abbot.
"I did not bring them in with me to dinner, for they are young and vain, and might disturb the grave souls of your younger brethren. So, if you please, you will send them out some of the dishes."
"I am obliged to you for your forethought," replied the Abbot. "You have saved our brethren much scandal. Let us now say grace."