forest pony trotted down with their mounts to the stables, and the great courtwas empty again under the steady rain. Brother Cadfael tucked up his habit andran for the shelter of the cloister, there to shake off the water from hissleeves and cowl, and make himself comfortable to continue his reading in thescriptorium. Within minutes he was absorbed in the problem of whether the‘dittanders’ of Aelfric was, or was not, the same as his own ‘dittany’. He gaveno more thought then to Meriet Aspley, who was so immovably bent on becoming amonk.

The young man was introduced at chapter next day, to make hisformal profession and be made welcome by those who were to be his brothers.During their probation novices took no part in the discussions in chapter, butmight be admitted to listen and learn on occasions, and Abbot Radulfus heldthat they were entitled to be received with brotherly courtesy from theirentry.

In the habit, newly donned, Meriet moved a little awkwardly, and lookedstrangely smaller than in his own secular clothes, Cadfael reflected, watchinghim thoughtfully. There was no father beside him now to freeze him intohostility, and no need to be wary of those who were glad to accept him amongthem; but still there was a rigidity about him, and he stood with eyes castdown and hands tightly clasped, perhaps over-awed by the step he was taking. Heanswered questions in a low, level voice, quickly and submissively. A facenaturally ivory-pale, but tanned deep gold by the summer sun, the flush ofblood beneath his smooth skin quick to mantle on high cheekbones. A thin,straight nose, with fastidious nostrils that quivered nervously, and that full,proud mouth that had so rigorous a set to it in repose, and looked sovulnerable in speech. And the eyes he hid in humility, large-lidded underclear, arched brows blacker than his hair.

“You have considered well,” said the abbot, “and now have time to consideryet again, without blame from any. Is it your wish to enter the cloistered lifehere among us? A wish truly conceived and firmly maintained? You may speak outwhatever is in your heart.”