When the first drops of sweat stood upon his forehead he wiped them away with earthy fingers, and the mere action--he knew not why--gave him pleasure.
But of a sudden he became aware that he had lost something.

From the little finger of his left hand had slipped his signet ring.

It must have fallen since he began working, and anxiously he searched for it about the ground.

Whilst he was thus occupied, Marcus came towards him, carrying a great basket of vegetables.

Not without diffidence, Basil told what had happened.
'You will rebuke me, holy brother, for heeding such a loss.