"But in the meantime?"

"In the meantime? Yes, I suppose something must be done. I might get him a
tutor, but that would be a great disturbance to me. I might send him up to
the monastery at Westminster, where the sons of many gentlemen are
taught."

"I doubt whether the training, or rather want of training, that he has had
would fit him for Westminster," the Prior said, quietly. "There is another
plan that perhaps might be more suitable for him. One of our brethren is a
scholar, and already three or four of the sons of the gentry in the
neighbourhood come to him for three hours or so a day. Our convent is a
poor one, and the fees he receives are a welcome addition to our means."

"Excellent!" Mr. Ormskirk said, delighted at the difficulty being taken
off his shoulders, "It would be the very thing."

"Then perhaps you will speak to the boy, and lay your orders upon him,"
the Prior said. "He was in the village as I passed by, and I brought him
up here, very much against his will I admit. Then I gave him in charge on
arrival to your servitor, knowing that otherwise the young varlet would
slip off again as soon as my back was turned. Perhaps you will send for
him."

Mr. Ormskirk rang a bell. The housekeeper entered.

"Where is Andrew?" he asked.

"He is looking after Master Edgar, sir. His reverence told him to do so,