If such a thing as that were to befall them, it would break their father's heart.

And how should he ever hold up his head again, knowing that in some sort he had been the author of the mischief?
All the brothers had been heart and soul together in their desire to hide the brother from the wrath and unjust tyranny of the prior; but Edred felt as though the greatest responsibility had been his, though he could scarcely have said why.
Julian had certainly taken the lead in the final act of the drama; but Julian was yet a boy, and did not thoroughly realize the perils which might follow such a course.

Edred did, and his face was grave and thoughtful; and when from time to time he stole a glance at Bertram, he saw that his elder brother's face was overcast and anxious, too.
They did not dare to exchange a single word upon the subject nearest to their hearts as they rode decorously behind their parents and the two monks.

The whole train had to restrain their horses to the ambling pace of the steed bestridden by the monks, who were by no means skilled riders; and dusk had fallen ere they all rode into the courtyard of Chad, where the bustle of dismounting afforded the brothers the chance of escaping for a few minutes to their upper chamber together.
"We must not stay a minute; the spies will be after us!" whispered Bertram.

"But one question I must ask.