"I expel you from the monastery.

You will now go and take leave of Don Clemente, in his cell, and then you will depart, never to return.

Do you understand ?" Benedetto bowed his head in assent, and was about to bend his knee to pay homage in the usual way, when the Abbot stopped him with a gesture.
"Wait," said he.
Putting on his glasses he took a sheet of paper, upon which he traced some words, standing the while, "What will you do, when you have left ?" he asked still writing.
Benedetto answered softly: "Does the sleeping child that his father lifts in his arms know what his father will do with him ?" The Abbot made no answer; his writing finished, he placed the paper in an envelope, closed it, and without turning his head, held it out to Benedetto, who was standing behind him.
"Take this to Don Clemente," he said.

Benedetto begged permission to kiss his hand.
"No, no, go away, go away!" The Abbot's voice trembled with anger.

Benedetto obeyed.