"How now, my sons?" said a full cheery voice, and to their joy, they
found themselves pushed up against Father Shoveller.

"Returned already! Did you get scant welcome at Hyde? Here, come
where we can get a free breath, and tell me."

They passed through the open gateway of the White Hart, into the
court, but before listening to them, the monk exchanged greetings
with the hostess, who stood at the door in a broad hat and velvet
bodice, and demanded what cheer there was for noon-meat.

"A jack, reverend sir, eels and a grampus fresh sent up from
Hampton; also fresh-killed mutton for such lay folk as are not
curious of the Wednesday fast. They are laying the board even now."

"Lay platters for me and these two young gentlemen," said the
Augustinian. "Ye be my guests, ye wot," he added, "since ye tarried
not for meat at Hyde."

"Nor did they ask us," exclaimed Stephen; "lubbers and idlers were
the best words they had for us."

"Ho! ho! That's the way with the brethren of St Grimbald! And your
uncle?"

"Alas, sir, he doteth with age," said Ambrose. "He took Stephen for
his own brother, dead under King Harry of Windsor."

"So! I had heard somewhat of his age and sickness. Who was it who