.

.

And now, leaving the past, with all its memories, let us return to the present, and face the uncertain future.

Also, dear Knight, I must ask you to remember, even when we are alone, that your old friend, Father Gervaise, in his brown habit, lies at the bottom of the ocean; yet that your new friend, Symon of Worcester, holds you and your interests very near his heart." The Bishop put out his hand.
Hugh seized and kissed it, knowing this was his farewell to Father Gervaise.
Then he rose to his feet.
The Bishop said nothing; but an indefinable change came over him.
Again he extended his hand.
The Knight kneeled, and kissed the Bishop's ring.
"I thank you, my lord," he said, "for your great trust in me.

I will not prove unworthy." With this he went back to his seat.
The Bishop, lifting the faggot-fork, carefully stirred and built up the logs.
"What were we saying, my dear Knight, when we strayed into a side issue?
Ah, I remember! I was telling you of my appointment to the See of Worcester, and my belief that the Prioress failed to recognise in me, one she had known long years before." The Bishop put by the faggot-fork and turned from the fire.
"I found the promise of that radiant girlhood more than fulfilled.