In the absence of son and daughter-in-law she spokeauthoritatively for both. “Father, use our house as your own.Your visit does us honor. It was welcome news to every soul amongus that Ramsey is again delivered to the service of God.”

“God has indeed regarded us,” said Herluin, a littlecautiously and with less than his usual assurance, for the sight ofher had shaken him. “But there is much to be done to restoreour dwelling, and we have need of every hand that can be brought toour aid. I had hoped to take your son back with me, but it seems Imay no longer call him brother. Nevertheless, be sure both he andyou will be in my prayers.”

“I will remember Ramsey,” said Donata, “inmine. But if the house of Blount has denied you a brother, we maystill be of help in other ways.”

“We are seeking the charity of all good men,” agreedHerluin fervently, “in whatever form. Our house is destitute,they left us nothing but the fabric of the walls, and that defaced,and stripped of all that could be carted away.”

“I have promised,” said Sulien, “to return toRamsey and work there with my hands for one month, when the time isright.” He had never rid himself completely of a feeling ofguilt for abandoning a vocation he had been foolish and mistakenever to undertake. He would be glad to pay his ransom with hardlabor, and free his conscience before he took a bride. And PernelOtmere would approve him, and give him leave to go.

Herluin thanked him for the offer, but with no very greatenthusiasm, perhaps doubtful how much work Ramsey was likely to getout of this recusant youth.

“I will also speak to my brother,” Sulien pursuedearnestly, “and see what more we may be able to do. They arecutting coppice-wood, there will be older stands well seasoned. Andthey are taking out some wellgrown trees from the woodland. I willask him for a load of timber for your rebuilding, and I think hewill let me have it. I am asking no other portion before I go intothe king’s service at Shrewsbury. If the abbey can supply acart to transport it, or one can be hired? Eudo’s cartscannot be spared for so long.”