The stranger, on his introduction, was received with some ostentation,
and not a little ceremony. They were evidently unknown to each other;
but the keen glance of the abbot instantly detected the signal for some
secret message. Paslew was habited in the Cistercian gown, and scapulary
of white cloth. His eye was dark, but restless; his lips, drawn in, were
narrow and compressed, showing the curbed impetuosity of his spirit.
Either as a churchman or a warrior, he seemed fitted for daring
enterprise; yet was he of a wary and cautious bearing, a characteristic
which his monkish education had in all probability thrown over his
natural temperament. The attendants having departed, the stranger drew
an unsealed letter from his bosom.'
"A written message, my lord abbot, from the Abbot of Kirkstall. 'Tis now
for your reverence's private regard, afterwards at your discretion." The
abbot hastily glanced over this piece of quaint and formal latinity,
occasionally darting a rapid and penetrating look at his visitor.
"He says not aught regarding so goodly a messenger," said Paslew,
carelessly.
"I should have marvelled if he had," returned the other, with a
contemptuous smile.
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