I have had thoughts of the religious life; but--" "Well, boy, what is the 'but' ?" asked the prior with a smile, but a keen flash of the eye which did not pass unheeded.
Edred saw the flash, and was put at once upon his guard.

This was not Brother Emmanuel, to whom he could open his whole soul and ask counsel and advice.
"I misdoubt me at times if I be fit for the life," he answered.
"There is too much of the world in my heart, I fear me.

I used to think I was fit to be a monk, but I am the less sure now." "Well, well, I would fain have a promising lad like thee beneath my care; but there is time to talk of that later.
"Well, my Lord of Mortimer, how goes the search?
Is all in train for it ?" "Ay, reverend father; and I trow if the miscreant be in hiding anywhere without the house, he will shortly be brought before us.

I am no novice in this manner of work, and I have laid my plans that he will scarce escape us.

If that fail, we must try the house itself.