"This is indeed a day of comings and of goings.

It is strange that in one twelve hours the Abbey should have cast off its foulest weed and should now lose what we are fain to look upon as our choicest blossom." "You speak too kindly, father," the youth answered.

"If I had my will I should never go forth, but should end my days here in Beaulieu.

It hath been my home as far back as my mind can carry me, and it is a sore thing for me to have to leave it." "Life brings many a cross," said the Abbot gently.

"Who is without them?
Your going forth is a grief to us as well as to yourself.