hunger and to love as the maid said. Ay, boy, and to be monk too,
though alack, men gainsay it."

"Father," said Hilarius, waxing bold from excessive need, "did'st
thou ever love as the maid meant?"

"Ay, boy--thy mother."

There was a long silence. Then the boy said timidly:-

"The maid said she might be light of love; 'tis a beautiful
thought."

The Prior started, and looked at him curiously:-

"What didst thou tell the maid?"

"That I never knew her, but that my father was a gentle knight who
died ere I saw him; and then the maid said perchance my mother was
light of love."

"Boy," said the Prior gravely, "'tis a weary tale, and sad of
telling. Thy mother was wondrous fair without, but she reckoned
love lightly, nay, knew it not for the holy thing it is, but
thought only of bodily lusts. Pray for her soul"--his voice grew
stern--"as for one of those upon whom God, in His great pity, may
have mercy. Thus have I prayed these many years."

Hilarius looked at him in wide-eyed horror:-