Only it was noted that the Abbot changed his sleeping-chamber, after which, except for a sickness which struck the monks--it was thought from the drinking of sour beer--these bedevilments were abated.
Indeed, at that time men had other things to think of, since the air was thick with rumours of impending change.

The King threatened the Church, and the Church prepared to resist the King.

There was talk of the suppression of the monasteries--some, in fact, had already been suppressed--and more talk of a rising of the faithful in the shires of York and Lincoln; high matters which called Abbot Maldon much away from home.
One day he returned weary, but satisfied, from a long journey, and amongst the news that awaited him found a message from the Prioress, over which he pondered while he ate his food.

Also there was a letter from Spain, which he studied eagerly.
Some nine months had passed since the ship _Great Yarmouth_ sailed, and during this time all that had been heard of her was that she had never reached Seville, so that, like every one else, the Abbot believed she had foundered in the deep seas.

This was a sad event which he had borne with resignation, seeing that, although it meant the loss of his letters, which were of importance, she had aboard of her several persons whom he wished to see no more, especially Sir Christopher Harflete and Sir John Foterell's serving-man, Jeffrey Stokes, who was said to carry with him certain inconvenient documents.