though abstemious himself, loved all social pleasures, and by his grace and ready wit contributed to enliven the circle where he shone. And Rosamond smiled and shook back the sunny ringlets from her brow; and ever and anon she blushed, as some well-turned compliment of Henry met her ear, or as his bright eyes rested on her face then her own would turn, and restlessly seek out those of her betrothed, and his calm beauty filled her soul with dread, though she knew not why; nor could Ranulph have better explained the mystery;-yet amid this general joy, his heart alone was sad.

CHAPTER XIV.

In a small chamber adjoining the chapter-house of the abbey, the Prior of Severnstoke was sitting alone; but no person ever presented a greater contrast to his former self than did the worthy Father Thomas. No more the subdued and lowly monk, with his head resting upon his breast-no more the patient, humble penitent, meekly folding his hands and restraining his steps -he now sat erect with dilated nostril and flashing eye; then rose and haughtily

paced the room, while every now and then he paused, and, taking up an open letter that lay upon the table, laughed alouda bitter laugh, as though scorn, not mirth, had moved him. What were the words

that letter held?

66

Trusty and well-beloved Brother,

"We are advised by his grace, King Henry the Second, that it is his royal will and pleasure we should seek from among our friends some discreet and learned person whom the King may trust to carry his message to the Welsh prince, as well as in sundry other Court matters needing cunning device and execution. Being so advised, we have thought of all our followers and friends, and we have found none in whom we can more wholly confide than in thyself. Therefore it is our will and pleasure that thou, Thomas Becket, should leave the Abbey of Severnstoke and forthwith seek the King. Thou wilt render unto him such service as he may demand; but as in all things the advancement of the Holy Church should be the first care

of her sons, we, as thy spiritual head and father, do command thee in no wise to neglect the opportunity thus afforded thee of gaining complete mastery over the mind of the King, so that by it the power and the glory of our holy mother the Church may be augmented and made strong. And for this purpose we do beforehand absolve thee from as great a portion of those vows as may interfere with thy close companionship with the King; for thou must do as he does, think as he thinks, and follow as he leadeth, or he will not love thee; and Henry, being a man of strong passions and quick temper, is prone to anger; therefore, see that thou give him no offence. This thou wilt bear in mind. And forasmuch as Vows may not be laid aside, nor carnal pleasures substituted for pious cares without some atonement that may wash out the sin, thou wilt pay to the Church every year a sum of money hereafter to be named; and that thou mayest have the means of so doing, and at the same time support the state which will be necessary for the working out of that great plan by which the honour of God and supremacy

of his Holy Church may be established and upheld, we do confer upon thee the vacant archdeaconry of this our holy see of Canterbury, with all its large revenues and appurtenances, the which as Primate of all England is in our gift to bestow on whom we see fit.

"And so truly and well-beloved brother we have chosen thee, and may God prosper thy holy work.

"Theobald Archbishop of Canterbury, and Primate of England."

This was the letter, which but a few hours since had been delivered by a trusty messenger from the Archbishop to the Prior of Severnstoke. Is it surprising that the spirit of Father Thomas was deeply moved? Scarcely could he believe that his senses had not abandoned him. His secret aspirations were thus in a moment realised his measureless ambition justified his detestation of monastic slavery sanctified-his longings for luxury and ease not only permitted, but encouraged; and all this in honour of a faith of which he fullwell knew the nature!

Well might