aid, "whether I approve of your rule or not is
a matter with which we have no concern at present. My sole duty is to see
that it is lawfully administered. Are you satisfied with the
administration of it and willing to remain under its control?"

There was only one response from the brothers--they were entirely
satisfied.

The Bishop rose with a smile and bowed to the brothers, and they began to
leave the room.

"There are two of my people whom you have not yet seen," said the Father.

"Where are they?"

"In their cells."

"Why in their cells?"

"One of them is ill; the other is under the rule of silence and
solitude."

"Let us visit them," said the Bishop, and they began to ascend the
stairs.

"I may not agree with your theory of the religious life, Father, but when
I see your people giving up the world and its comforts, its joys and
possessions, its ties of blood and affection----"

They had reached the topmost story, and the Father had paused to recover
breath. "This cell to the right," said he, "is occupied by a lay brother
who was tempted by the Evil One to a grievous act of disobedience, and
the wrath of God has fallen on him. But Satan has overreached himself for
once, and by that very act grace has triumphed. Not a member of our
community rejoices more in the blessed sacrament, and when I place the
body of our Lord----"

"May we go in to him?"

"Certainly; he is dying of lung disease, but you shall see with what
patience he possesses his soul."

Brother Paul was sitting before a small fire in an arm-chair padded with
pillows, holding in his dried-up hands a heavy crucifix which was
suspended from his heck.

"How lightsome and cosy we are up here!" said the Bishop. "A long way up,
certainly, but no doubt you get everything you require."

"Everything," said Paul.

"I dare say the brothers are very good to you--they usually are so to the
weak and ailing in a monastery."

"Too good, my lord."

"Of course you see a doctor occasionally?"

"Three times a week, and if he would only let me escape from an evil and
troublesome world----"

"Hush! It's not right to talk like that, my son. Whatever happens, it is
our duty to live, you know."

"I've lost all there was to live for, and besides----"

"Then there is nothing you wish for?" said the Bishop.

"Nothing but death," said Paul, and lifting the crucifix he carried it to
his lips.

"Thank God we are born to die!" said the Bishop, and they