Oh, I know, of course, that my predecessor sanctioned what you did! This young man is greatly attached to you, you are his spiritual director, and you encourage him to study in the library.

It is true that he also works in the kitchen-garden, true that he displays great piety, that he is a source of edification to all, still--as he does not appear to have any intention of becoming a monk--his presence at our _Ospizio_, where he has had a place for three years, Is somewhat irregular, What can you tell concerning this matter?
Come, let us hear." Don Clemente knew that some of his brother monks--and not the oldest, but precisely the youngest among them--did not approve of the hospitality the late Abbot had extended to Benedetto.

Neither was the attachment existing between himself and Benedetto entirely to their taste.

Don Clemente had already had trouble on this account.

He now at once perceived that certain brothers had lost no time, but had already tried to influence the new Abbot.