Throughout their ride to the Priory gates, Ralph kept his horse at his master's cropper and his longbow was bent and ready at his back. But they met no one, until the porter at the gate hailed them and asked their business, for monasteries, like castles and walled towns, were chary of admitting callers from the night. Prior Thomas listened to Hugh's account and questioned Ralph. "There was naught upon him, you say, save these markings, that he might be known by?" he ended. "Naught," replied Hugh. "Are there strangers in these parts---- But yes. You yourself told me of meeting them this morning on the road for Blancherive." Hugh assented and, of course, was obliged to narrate the message brought by Mocenigo. "Ah, that is sad hearing," exclaimed the Prior, with tears in his eyes. "The little maid is to leave us so soon! I must ride thither with you, Hugh, after Matins. And what sort were these strangers?" "Foreign, like their lord," answered Hugh. "I have had the same thought as mayhap troubles you, Father Prior." "We must not leap to conclusions in such a grave matter," cautioned Prior Thomas. "In such an assemblage of men, roysterers and mariners, I take it, there are always some unheedful of God. It may be such an one marked you ride from the Castle and planned to line an empty wallet from your person." "That is true," agreed Hugh. "In any case," continued the Prior, "we must think of Edith. No harm has come of this and if there be no reason for it, 'twere well nothing was said to cast a shadow over her journey." "There is shadow enough," said Hugh gloomily. Prior Thomas put a hand on his shoulder. "Hugh," he said, "thou hast been almost mine own son to me. I could not have pleaded with Our Lady for a dearer one. When I was Master of the Novices your father deeded to the Priory the lands of Greenmere and Hautepuisse, and in return asked that we care for your upbringing and guard your interest against wicked barons. Prior Hubert gave you to my especial charge that day, and in it have you been ever since. I know well, dear lad, this is a night of sorrow for you. But I would have you remember that you have vowed yourself to a high quest, and until that quest is achieved you have no right to give your thoughts to any other object." Hugh raised his eyes very humbly to the Prior. "Father Thomas, you have taught me a lesson I required," he admitted. "I thank you. I will try to win my first victory over myself." He choked and blinked his eyes hard. "It is very long to wait," he added. "It is very long," answered Father Thomas gently, "but the good knight schools himself to place his faith in Our Lady and studies how he may achieve merit in Her blessed sight. Doubt not, Hugh, an you strive lustily and with perfect faith, in the end you shall win to content." "Must I tarry here the whole of another year?" pleaded Hugh.