From Venantius the monks had learned who their charge was. His noble
origin, and still more the fact of his kindred with their beloved
Abbot Benedict, inspired in them a special interest. They spoke of
him in whispers together, compassionated his sufferings, remarked on
the comeliness of his features, and assured each other that they
detected in him no symptom of the plague. It being now the third
hour, they ceased from worldly talk and together recited their
office, whereto the peasant and the horseman gave pious ear.
Basil lay with closed eyes, but at a certain moment he seemed to
become aware of what was passing, crossed himself, and then folded
his hands upon his breast in the attitude of prayer. Having observed
this, one of the monks, his orisons finished, went up to the cart
and spoke comfortable words. He was a man in the prime of life, with
cheek as fresh as a maid's, and a step that seemed incapable of
weariness; his voice sounded a note of gentle kindness which caused
the sufferer to smile at him in gratitude.
'This tree,' he said presently, pointing to a noble beech, its bole
engraven with a cross, 'marks the middle point of the ascent.
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