It was difficult for Sir Oliver to see his way all in a moment.  To oppose this scheme or to submit to it appeared alike dangerous.  His independence and honest English pride revolted against any attempt to coerce him in his domestic arrangements, or to submit to interference there, even from the ministers of the Church.

But it was needful to walk warily, and the prior was watching him as a cat does a mouse.

“Will you give me a few days to consider this matter?” he asked, in as easy a tone as he could.  “Your reverence knows that changes are not of themselves welcome to me; and my sons have made such progress with Brother Emmanuel that I am something loath to part with him.  Also, they are at this moment going through a course of study which none other could conclude with the same advantage.  Brother Fabian is doubtless an excellent brother of his order, but he has scarce the same learning as Brother Emmanuel.  Nevertheless, I will well consider the change proposed, and give it all dutiful heed.  But I should like to speak with my wife anent the matter, and learn her will.  It is not a matter of pressing haste, by what I have gathered from your words?”

“No, not one of pressing haste.  Yet I would not long delay,” answered the prior.  “I may not speak too openly, but there be reasons why I would have Brother Emmanuel beneath this roof once more.  I will leave thee one week to consider and to get the course of study completed.  At the week’s end, methinks, I shall be constrained to bid Brother Emmanuel return home.  But if all be well after a short time has sped by, he may return again to thee.”

Sir Oliver was looking full at the handsome but crafty face of the prior, and as the last words passed his lips he saw a flicker in the eyes which made him say within his heart: 

“If Brother Emmanuel once re-enters these walls, he will never sally forth again.  Mischief is meant him; of that I am convinced.  What must I do?  Must I give him up to his death?  And how can I save him, even if I would?”

These thoughts were surging in his heart as he rode home.  The peril he had feared against those of his own name and race had been averted.  The payment of what was practically a heavy fine would secure to the boys immunity from the results of their rashness; but with the monk it was far different.  What had aroused the animosity of the fraternity, and why mischief was planned against him, Sir Oliver could not divine; but that something had occurred to arouse it he could not doubt.

No sooner had he reached home than he sought Brother Emmanuel in his own bare room, and laid before him the account of what had passed.

A strange look crossed the young monk’s face.

“Then it is known!” he said simply.

“What is known?”