In many cases a glance is enough to show whether these claims of antiquity are justified; before 1220 the Order had only hermitages after the pattern of the Verna or the Carceri, solely intended for the Brothers who desired to pass some time in retreat.
Returned to Assisi, Francis admitted to the Order a certain number of learned men, among whom was perhaps Thomas of Celano.

The latter, in fact, says that God at that time mercifully remembered him, and he adds further on: "The blessed Francis was of an exquisite nobility of heart and full of discernment; with the greatest care he rendered to each one what was due him, with wisdom considering in each case the degree of their dignities." This does not harmonize very well with the character of Francis as we have sketched it; one can hardly imagine him preserving in his Order such profound distinctions as were at that time made between the different social ranks, but he had that true and eternal politeness which has its roots in the heart, and which is only an expression of tact and love.

It could not be otherwise with a man who saw in courtesy one of the qualities of God.
We are approaching one of the most obscure periods of his life.

After the chapter of 1215 he seems to have passed through one of those crises of discouragement so frequent with those who long to realize the ideal in this world.

Had he discovered the warning signs of the misfortunes which were to come upon his family?
Had he come to see that the necessities of life were to sully and blight his dream?
Had he seen in the check of his missions in Syria and Morocco a providential indication that he had to change his method?
We do not know.