he wicket was open and at it was the rotund face of the brother
who served as porter.

"Be so kind, worthy monk, as to say to your superior that a Knight and
his attendants crave refreshment ere they travel further," said De Lacy.

"Enter, fair lord," returned the porter, swinging back the gates. "Bid
your men repair to the buttery yonder, while I conduct your worship to
the holy father."

They found the Abbot pacing the gravel path between the cloister and
the church, with his chancellor at his side. His cowl was thrown back
and the white gown of his Order, which hung full to his feet, was
fastened close to the throat. His face was pale, and the well-cut
features and the small hands betokened his gentle birth. He was,
possibly, about fifty years of age, but his step and bearing were as
easy as De Lacy's own.

"_Benedicite_, my son," said he, as the Knight bent head to the
uplifted hand, "you are welcome, and just in time to join us at the
noonday meal."

"It was to ask refreshment for myself and my men that I halted, and
your reverence has in kindness anticipated me," said De Lacy.

The Abbot turned to the porter: "Brother James," he said, "see that all
are provided for and that the horses have a full allowance of
grain.--And now, there sounds the horn for us. Sir------"

"Aymer de Lacy," filled in the Knight.

"A goodly name, my son; and one dear to Yorkshire hereabouts, although,
now, near forgotten. Have you seen Pontefract?"

"I quit it but this morning."

"In sooth!" said the Abbot, with sudden interest. "And is His Grace of
Gloucester still in presence there?"

"He left shortly before I did."

"For London?"

"Nay, methinks I heard he rode to York," replied De Lacy, who had
learned enough on the Continent of the ways of churchmen not to tell
them all he knew.

"To York!" said the Abbot in some surprise. "How many men did he take
with him?"

"I was not present when the Duke departed and I did not see his
following," returned Aymer.

The Abbot's keen eyes tried to read behind the answer, but evidently
without success, for his next remark was: "I do not recall your face,
Sir Aymer, among the many Knights who have traversed these parts."

"Your memory is entirely trustworthy," said De Lacy. "I came from
France but lately, and have never seen this section until to-day."

"Fare you not to the coronation?"

"In truth, yes, your reverence; Deo volente."

"Then must you soon turn bridle;