Breakfast was already half over when he appeared, and the reading of
Lamentations was accompanying the frugal meal. He sank into his seat in
silence, casting his eyes down upon his plate lest they should betray
the joy he felt. He knew that he could have no talk with Philip until
after nones, and he was not willing to leave the house without bidding
his friend good-by. While he went on with his breakfast he was busy
planning what he would do when he had left the routine of the Clergy
House behind him. He determined to go to Mrs. Staggchase for advice,
and to ask her to direct him to some quiet boarding-place where he
might reorganize his scheme of life.
In the study hour which followed breakfast Wynne went boldly to the
room of Father Frontford, and knocked at the door. When he heard the
voice of the Father Superior bidding him enter he was for the first
time seized with an unpleasant doubt. The long habit of obedience half
asserted itself, so that for an instant he was almost minded to turn
back. With a smile of self-scorn he shook off the feeling, and opened
the door.
The Father looked up in evident surprise at sight of the deacon who
came unsummoned at such an hour.
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