“I fear none the less,” said the abbot heavily, “that this also must wait.My rights are in abeyance.”

“It will greatly inconvenience Master Bonel,” said the cellarer anxiously.“They have already prepared to remove here, and expected to do so in the nextfew days. The Christmas feast is coming, and they cannot well be left indiscomfort.”

“Surely,” suggested Prior Robert, “the move could be countenanced, even ifthe ratification must wait a while. It’s highly unlikely that any abbotappointed would wish to upset this agreement.” Since it was perfectly clearthat he himself was in line for the appointment, and knew himself to be inbetter odour with King Stephen than his superior, he spoke with easy authority.Heribert jumped at the suggestion.

“I think such a move is permissible. Yes, Brother Matthew, you may proceed,pending final sanction, which I feel sure will be forthcoming. Reassure ourguest on that point, and allow him to bring his household at once. It is onlyright that they should feel settled and at peace for the Christmasfeast, There is no other case needing attention?”

“None, Father.” And he asked, subdued and thoughtful: “When must you setforth on this journey?”

“The day after tomorrow I should leave. I ride but slowly these days, and weshall be some days on the road. In my absence, of course, Prior Robert will bein charge of all things here.”

Abbot Heribert lifted a distrait hand in blessing, and led the way out ofthe chapter-house. Prior Robert, sweeping after, no doubt felt himself alreadyin charge of all things within the pale of the Benedictine abbey of St. Peterand St. Paul of Shrewsbury, and had every intent and expectation of continuingso to his life’s end.