Prior Thomas, from some cause or other not assigned, held himself at
that season much estranged and secluded from his brethren. He had seldom
been seen from his lodgings, except when performing his accustomed
office in the church. He had not taken his place in the refectory of
late, the duties of the day being performed by one of the elder canons.
De Poininges, after a short space, was summoned to the prior's chamber.
In his progress, he passed the door of the refectory where the brethren
were at supper. It was large and wainscoted, and furnished with an ample
dresser. Cupboards were let into the wall, and windows opened into the
kitchen, through which their meal was served.
One of the monks was reading the appointed service from a low pulpit or
desk. The prior's seat was still vacant. Their way now led through the
cloisters, and at the opposite side of the quadrangle a portal
communicated by a long and dark passage with the prior's lodging. This
was a sort of inferior castellated mansion, with a spacious hall, and a
smaller dining-chamber immediately adjoining. At the end was a fair
chapel or oratory. Ascending a flight of stone steps, they came to a
low door.
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