"You drew back and came forward with your eyes upon my book there, like the mouse who sniffs the cheese and yet dreads the trap." "I take shame," said Alleyne, "that I should have touched it." "Nay, it warmed my very heart to see it.

So glad was I, that I laughed for very pleasure.

My fine preacher can himself be tempted then, thought I; he is not made of another clay to the rest of us." "God help me! I am the weakest of the weak," groaned Alleyne.

"I pray that I may have more strength." "And to what end ?" she asked sharply.

"If you are, as I understand, to shut yourself forever in your cell within the four walls of an abbey, then of what use would it be were your prayer to be answered ?" "The use of my own salvation." She turned from him with a pretty shrug and wave.