"Truly you are an admirable reader, and well skilled in deciphering.

I wonder that you held not some more important post than that of cellarer." Roger laughed.
"I might have done so," he said, "but in truth, I am not strict enough in matters of discipline to suit our prior, and am somewhat over fond of the wine cup.

More than once, when it seemed that I might have been chosen as reader to the monastery, I fell into disgrace, and lost my chance; and indeed, I was far better pleased with my post, there, than if they had appointed me sub-prior." Any vestige of doubt there might have been in the priest's mind had vanished, as Roger read; for he was conscious that he, himself, could not have picked up a manuscript and have deciphered it so easily and fluently.
"It must be trying to you, good father," Roger went on, "to be among men who, if reports speak truly, are somewhat lawless, and hold even the church in but slight respect.

Surely, among them there can be but little scope for your abilities ?" "'Tis true, brother; but they are, you know, kinsmen of mine.

They have many foes across the border, and some on this side, and are forced to hold their own as they may.