Am I in time?"
The Bishop smiled as he looked into the blue eyes and open countenance
of young Roger de Berchelai, a youth wholly devoted to his service.
Here was another who remembered in pictures, and Symon of Worcester
loved the gallop, and rush, and breeze of the sea, which had swept
through the chamber, in the eager young voice of his envoy.
"Yes, my son," said the Bishop. "You have returned, not merely in
time, but with two days to spare. Was there ever fleeter messenger!
Indeed my choice was well made and my trust well placed. Now you must
sup and then take a much-needed rest, dear lad; and to-morrow tell me
if you had need to spend more than I gave you."
Raising his voice, the Bishop called his Chaplain; whereupon that
sinister figure at once appeared in the doorway.
The Bishop gave orders concerning the entertaining of the young Esquire
of Berchelai; then added; "And let the chapel be lighted, Father
Benedict. So soon as the aurora appears in the east, I shall celebrate
mass, in thanksgiving for the blessing of a letter from the Holy
Father, and for the safe return of my messenger. I shall not need your
presence nor that of any of the brethren, save those whose watch it
chances to be. . . . _Benedicite_."
"_Deus_," responded Father Benedict, bowing low.
Young Roger, gay and glad, knelt and kissed the Bishop's ring; then,
rising, flung back a strand of fair hair which fell over his forehead,
and said: "A bath, my lord, would be even more welcome than supper and
bed.
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