Page:Idalia, by 'Ouida' volume 2.djvu/291

280 wild swan and some of the water-fowls were stewed with lentils and capsicums. Some seventy monks sat round it, breaking black bread, and scenting longingly though with downcast eyes and immutable lips the unwonted savour of the fare. As his ringing step sounded on the stone floor, the recluses looked with a dreary, dull wonder at this man with his superb manhood, with his luxuriant beard, and his stalwart build, and his mountain freedom of glance and of movement, who seemed to bring a draught of wild, strong, fresh, forest-breeze into the darkness and solitude of their prison.

He made his reverence gravely to the white-haired elder whom they pointed out as the Superior, then seated himself at the lower end of the board, and took the food proffered him. Many eyes studied him inquisitively, but no questions were asked; an unbroken silence prevailed as the meal went on. The Order was sternly ruled—sternly in especial when any wayfarer or stranger was present; it had a great fame for sanctity, and that odorous reputation went far to cover any whispers that might steal abroad of other and less holy uses to which its highest director might turn it. "Great Heaven!" thought Erceldoune, as he glanced down the long table at the close-shaven, silent guests that surrounded it, while