"Let me go," said Paul; "I should like the walk through the wood.

I am quite strong again now, and I am weary of doing nothing from morning to night." "Well, I don't know why you should not if it pleases your fancy," said the farmer.

"You will be welcome at the Priory, as all guests are who come with news for the holy brothers from the world without.

'Tis less than four miles away, and you have got the use of your legs.

Go, and welcome, if you will." "I would go with you, were I not bound to go to Chelmsford myself," quoth Jack, the farmer's ruddy-faced son, of whom mention has not yet been made.
Paul had indeed seen but little of him so far, as his time was mainly spent in the fields, and he had been absent from home on his first arrival there, buying some fat sheep to be killed and salted down for consumption in the winter.
"I like well enough a visit to the Priory.