And at sunrise on the
day after, you will go forth from our gates. Whether to return, I
know not; be that with the Ruler of All. If again you climb this
mount, I shall not be here to bid you welcome. Pray humbly, even as
I do, that we may meet in the life eternal.'
After Mass on the morrow, when he had joyfully partaken of the
Eucharist, Basil was bidden to the priest's room. This time it was
the prior himself who received him, and with an address which
indicated the change in the position of the penitent, now become an
ordinary guest.
'Lord Basil, your follower, Deodatus, is minded to fulfil the
prophecy of his name, and tells me that it would be with your good
will. Are you content to deprive yourself of his service, that he
may continue to abide with us, and after due preparation, take the
vows of our community?'
'Content,' was the reply, 'and more than content. If ever man seemed
born for the holy life, it is he. I entreat you, reverend father, to
favour his desire.'
'Be it so. I have spoken of this matter with the lord abbot, who has
graciously given his consent.
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