It was all they could do to stumble through the office of compline when the meal was ended and the household about to retire, and there was no suggestion on their part of wishing to remain to keep vigil.
But Edred resolved that he would watch again that night.

He had done so the previous night with Brother Emmanuel, both thinking that it might be the last watch they would ever hold together.

Now the boy felt that he could not sleep, at least for many hours; and since their mother had whispered to them that Brother Fabian was to share their room, since he said it was his duty to keep watch upon the boys till next morning, it seemed well to leave his bed for the drowsy monk, aid keep vigil himself in the silent chantry.
The brother looked puzzled when he heard what one of his young charges proposed to do.

Edred looked him full in the face as he answered: "Brother Emmanuel taught us that it were not well that all within the house should be sleeping.

We know not when the Lord may appear--at midnight, at cock crowing, or in the morning; and methinks whenever He may come, He would gladly find one soul holding vigil and waiting for His appearing.