But my own summons came to me so unexpectedly that I had but little time
to make my farewell.
I was sitting once in a garden-close watching a curious act proceeding,
which I did not quite understand. It looked like a religious ceremony; a
man in embroidered robes was being conducted by some boys in white
dresses through the long cloister, carrying something carefully wrapped
up in his arms, and I heard what sounded like an antique hymn of a fine
stiff melody, rapidly sung.
There had been nothing quite like this before, and I suddenly became
aware that Amroth was beside me, and that he had a look of anger in his
face. "You had better not look at this," he said to me; "it might not be
very helpful, as they say."
"Am I to come with you?" I said. "That is well--but I should like to say
a word to one or two of my friends here."
"No, not a word!" said Amroth quickly. He looked at me with a curious
look, in which he seemed to be measuring my strength and courage. "Yes,
that will do!" he added. "Come at once--don't be surprised--it will be
different from what you expect."
He took me by the arm, and we hurried from the place; one or two of the
people who stood by looked at us in lazy wonder.
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