Basil was turning away sadly, when the monk touched his arm, and said in a troubled voice: 'Many times he has spoken of you, dear brother.' 'Would,' replied Basil, 'that I were worthy of his thoughts.' 'Did he think you unworthy,' said Marcus, 'he would not grieve that you must so soon go from among us.' 'The holy father has said that I must soon leave you ?' Marcus nodded gravely, and walked away.
Another week passed.

By stern self-discipline, Basil had fixed his thoughts once more on things spiritual, and the result appeared in a quiet contentment.

He waited upon the will of Benedict, which he had come to regard as one with the will of God.

And at length the expected summons came.

It was on the evening of Saturday, after vespers; the abbot had been present at the office, and, as he went forth from the oratory, he bade Basil follow him.