on of the sign awaited; but soon fancy would betray him, and
they would become candles again merely flickering.

On this September dusk there were crimson shadows of sunset deepening to
purple in the corners of the chapel; the candles were very bright; the
brethren in the stalls sang with austere fervour; the figure of Dom
Cuthbert veiled from awkwardness by the heavy white cope moved before
the altar during the censing of the Magnificat with a majesty that
filled the small quire; the thurible tinkled its perfumed harmonies; and
above the contentment of the ensuing hush blackbirds were heard in the
garden or seen slipping to and fro like shadows across the windows.

Michael at this moment realized that there was a seventh monk in the
quire, and wondered vaguely how he had failed to notice this new-comer
before. Immediately after being made aware of his presence he caught the
stranger's eye, and blushed so deeply that to cover his confusion he
turned over the pages of a psalter. Curiosity made him look up again,
but the new monk was devoutly wrapped in contemplation, nor did Michael
catch his eye again during the Office. At supper he enquired about the
new-comer of Dom Gilbert, who reproved him for inquisitiveness, but told
him he was called Brother Aloysius. Again at Compline Michael caught his
glance, and for a long time that night in the darkness he saw the eyes
of Brother Aloysius gleaming very blue.

On the next day Michael, wandering by the edge of the hazel coppice,
came upon Brother Aloysius with deep-stained mouth and hands gathering
blackberries.

"Who are you?" asked the monk. "You gave me a very funny look at
Vespers."

Michael thought this was an extremely unusual way for a monk, even a new
monk, to speak, and hesitated a moment before he explained who he was.

"I suppose you can help me pick blackberries. I suppose that isn't
against the rules."

"I often help the brothers," said Michael simply. "But I don't much care
for picking blackberries. Still, I don't mind helping you."

Michael had an impulse to leave Brother Aloysius, but his
self-consciousness prevented him from acting on it, and he kept the
picker company in silence while the blackberries dropped lusciously into
the basket.

"Feel my hand," said Brother Aloysius suddenly. "It's as hot as hell."

This time Michael stared in frank astonishment.

"Well, you needn't look so frightened," said the monk. "You don't look
so very good yoursel