But it is the day after day that is difficult.

And there is no relaxation; not even in the infirmary.

You will have to learn signs in your novitiate; that is almost the first exercise." The priest got up and fetched a little book from the corner cupboard.
"Listen," he said, and then began to read aloud the instructions laid down for the sign-language of novices; how they were to make a circle in the air for bread since it was round, a motion of drinking for water, and so forth.
"You see," he said, "you are not even allowed to speak when you ask for necessaries.

And, you know, silence has its peculiar temptations as well as its joys.

There is accidie and scrupulousness and contempt of others, and a host of snares that you know little of now." "But--" began Chris.
"Oh, yes; it has its joys, and gives a peculiar strength." Chris knew, of course, well enough by now in an abstract way what the Religious discipline would mean, but he wished to have it made more concrete by examples, and he sat long with the chaplain asking him questions.