A FORTNIGHT after this a pale, bowed figure entered the Dominican
convent in the suburbs of Gouda, and sought speech with brother Ambrose,
who governed the convent as deputy, the prior having lately died, and
his successor, though appointed, not having arrived.
The sick man was Gerard, come to end life as he began it. He entered as
a novice, on probation; but the truth was, he was a failing man, and
knew it, and came there to die in peace, near kind and gentle Ambrose
his friend, and the other monks to whom his house and heart had always
been open.
His manse was more than he could bear; it was too full of reminiscences
of her.
Ambrose, who knew his value, and his sorrow, was not without a kindly
hope of curing him, and restoring him to his parish. With this view he
put him in a comfortable cell over the gateway, and forbade him to fast
or practise any austerities.
But in a few days the new prior arrived, and proved a very Tartar. At
first he was absorbed in curing abuses, and tightening the general
discipline; but one day hearing the vicar of Gouda had entered the
convent as a novice, he said, "'Tis well; let him first give up his
vicarage then, or go: I'll no fat parsons in my house." The prior then
sent for Gerard, and he went to him; and the moment they saw one another
they both started.
"Clement!"
"Jerome!"