"'Thou hast kept the best wine until now.' The water of earth--drawn by faithful servants, acting in unquestioning obedience to the commands of the blessed Mother of our Lord--transmuted by the word and power of the Divine Son; outpoured for others, in loving service; this is ever 'the best wine.'" The Knight filled his goblet and took some fruit.

Then, leaving both untouched, turned his chair sidewise, that he might the better face the Bishop, crossed his knees, leaned his right elbow on the table and his head upon his hand, pushing his fingers into his hair.
Thus, for a while, they sat in silence; the Knight's eyes searching the Bishop's face; the Bishop, intent upon the colour of his ruby goblet.
At length Hugh d'Argent spoke.
"I have been through deep waters, Reverend Father, since last I supped with you." The Bishop put down the goblet.
"So I supposed, my son.

Now tell me what you will, neither more nor less.

I will then give you what counsel I can.

On the one point concerning which you must not tell me more than I may rightly know, I will question you.