CHAPTER C
A FORTNIGHT after this a pale, bowed figure entered the Dominicanconvent in the suburbs of Gouda, and sought speech with brother Ambrose,who governed the convent as deputy, the prior having lately died, andhis successor, though appointed, not having arrived.
The sick man was Gerard, come to end life as he began it. He entered asa novice, on probation; but the truth was, he was a failing man, andknew it, and came there to die in peace, near kind and gentle Ambrosehis friend, and the other monks to whom his house and heart had alwaysbeen open.
His manse was more than he could bear; it was too full of reminiscencesof her.
Ambrose, who knew his value, and his sorrow, was not without a kindlyhope of curing him, and restoring him to his parish. With this view heput him in a comfortable cell over the gateway, and forbade him to fastor practise any austerities.
But in a few days the new prior arrived, and proved a very Tartar. Atfirst he was absorbed in curing abuses, and tightening the generaldiscipline; but one day hearing the vicar of Gouda had entered theconvent as a novice, he said, "'Tis well; let him first give up hisvicarage then, or go: I'll no fat parsons in my house." The prior thensent for Gerard, and he went to him; and the moment they saw one anotherthey both started.
"Clement!"
"Jerome!"
The Cloister and the Hearth: A Tale of the Middle Ages Page 102