I prize not my life greatly, though to die as a heretic, cut off
from the Church of Christ, is a fearful thing to think of. Yet even
that might be better than denying the truth--if indeed one believes
the truth to lie without, which assuredly I do not. But thou, my
son, would do well to think something less of these matters. Thou
art but a child in years, and--"

"I am quickly rising to man's estate," answered the boy, rather
impetuously, "and my thoughts will not be chained. I must give them
liberty to rove where they will. All men are talking and thinking
of these things, and wherefore not I? But, Brother Emmanuel, tell
me, who was yon black-browed brother? Methinks I have seen his face
before; but beneath the cowl many faces look alike. Who was he? and
wherefore looked he so askance at thee?"

"Brother Fabian loves me not," answered the monk with a slight
smile. "I scarce know how it began; it seemed to commence from the
day I entered the priory. I had looked to find things there
somewhat different. Perchance I spoke more than I should, being
young and ardent, and fresh from places where a different order
reigned. Brother Fabian holds various offices in the priory. He
liked not my words. Methinks he has never forgotten or forgiven. He
has always sour looks for me, and ofttimes sneering words. But I
heed them not greatly; they do not touch me near."

Edred was looking straight out before him, with a gaze in which
there was much of shrinking and surprise.

"Brothers in the same monastery at enmity one with the other!" he
said slowly, grasping more than had been spoken, with that quick
intuition which existed between tutor and pupil. "Some, leading
lives of luxury, indignant with those who would protest against
them. Brother Emmanuel, my father, my friend, when these things
come before me, I turn with loathing from the thought of entering
the life of the cloister; and yet how I long to give myself wholly
to the cause of God! How can I judge? how can I choose aright?"

"Thou must not try to choose," answered the young monk, with a
touch of austerity in his tone; "thou must await that leading and
that guiding which never fail those who truly wait upon the blessed
Son of God, and strive to do not their will but the will of Him who
pleased not Himself. At the foot of His Cross--before the altar,
where His precious body and blood are ever abiding in memorial of
His one sacrifice for sin--there is the place to seek gra