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.