He went to Father Burrowes and begged to leave
on Monday.
"Brother Athanasius and Brother Chad are leaving tomorrow," said the
Father Superior, "Yes, you may go."
Brother Simon drove them to the station. Strange figures they seemed to
each other in their lay clothes.
"I've been meaning to go for a long time," said Brother Athanasius, who
was now Percy Wade. "And it's my belief that Brother George and Brother
Birinus won't stay long."
"I hoped never to go," said Brother Chad, who was now Cecil Masters.
"Then why are you going?" asked the late Brother Athanasius. "I never do
anything I don't want to do."
"I think I shall be more help to Brother Anselm than to soldiers in
London," said the late Brother Chad.
Mark beamed at him.
"That's just like you, Brother. I am so glad you're going to do that."
The train came in, and they all shook hands with Brother Simon, who had
been cheerful throughout the drive, and even now found great difficulty
in looking serious.
"You seem very happy, Brother Simon," said Mark.
"Oh, I am very happy, Brother Mark. I should say Mr. Mark. The Reverend
Father has told me that I'm to be clothed as a novice on Wednesday. All
last week when we sung, '_The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared
unto Simon_,' I knew something wonderful was going to happen.
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