He ran his
eye over it; and then, in a sonorous voice, proceeded to read it aloud.
"I thank you," the priest said, when he had finished. "Truly you are an
admirable reader, and well skilled in deciphering. I wonder that you
held not some more important post than that of cellarer."
Roger laughed.
"I might have done so," he said, "but in truth, I am not strict enough
in matters of discipline to suit our prior, and am somewhat over fond
of the wine cup. More than once, when it seemed that I might have been
chosen as reader to the monastery, I fell into disgrace, and lost my
chance; and indeed, I was far better pleased with my post, there, than
if they had appointed me sub-prior."
Any vestige of doubt there might have been in the priest's mind had
vanished, as Roger read; for he was conscious that he, himself, could
not have picked up a manuscript and have deciphered it so easily and
fluently.
"It must be trying to you, good father," Roger went on, "to be among
men who, if reports speak truly, are somewhat lawless, and hold even
the church in but slight respect. Surely, among them there can be but
little scope for your abilities?"
"'Tis true, brother; but they are, you know, kinsmen of mine.
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