Prior Robert drew back his head and kept his austere countenance, leavinghis superior to make up his own mind as he would. Brother Richard the sub-priorhad held his tongue throughout, being a good man at managing day-today affairs,but indolent at attempting decisions.

“It has been in my mind, since studying the reasonings of ArchbishopLanfranc,” said the abbot, “that there must be a change in our thoughts on thismatter of child dedication, and I am now convinced that it is better to refuseall oblates until they are able to consider for themselves what manner of lifethey desire. Therefore, Brother Paul, it is my view that you must decline theoffer of this boy, upon the terms desired. Let his father know that in a fewyears’ time the boy will be welcome, as a pupil in our school, but not as anoblate entering the order. At a suitable age, should he so wish, he may enter.So tell his parent.” He drew breath and stirred delicately in his chair, toindicate that the conference was over. “And you have, as I understand, anotherrequest for admission?”

Brother Paul was already on his feet, relieved and smiling. “There will beno difficulty there, Father. Leoric Aspley of Aspley desires to bring to us hisyounger son Meriet. But the young man is past his nineteenth birthday, and hecomes at his own earnest wish. In his case, Father, we need have no qualms atall.”

“Not that these are favourable times for recruitment,” ownedBrother Paul, crossing the great court to Compline with Cadfael at his side, “thatwe can afford to turn postulants away. But for all that, I’m glad Father Abbotdecided as he did. I have never been quite happy about the young children.Certainly in most cases they may be offered out of true love and fervour. Butsometimes a man must wonder… With lands to keep together, and one or two stoutsons already, it’s a way of disposing profitably of the third.”

“That can happen,” said Cadfael drily, “even where the third is a grownman.”