But this was a transient scepticism, a fleeting discontent, which vanished when the brethren formed into procession and returned to the oratory singing the psalm:  In Convertendo.

     When the Lord turned again the captivity of Sion:  then were we
     like unto them, that dream.

     Then was our mouth filled with laughter:  and our tongue with joy.

     Then said they among the heathen:  The Lord hath done great things
     for them.

     Yea, the Lord hath done great things for us already:  whereof we
     rejoice.

     Turn our captivity, O Lord:  as the rivers in the south.

     They that sow in tears:  shall reap in joy.

     He that now goeth on his way weeping, and beareth forth good seed: 
     shall doubtless come again with joy, and bring his sheaves with
     him.

The Father Superior of the Order sang the Mass, while the Bishop of Alberta seated in his Glastonbury chair suffered with an expression of childlike benignity the ritualistic ministrations of Brother Raymond, the ceremonial doffing and donning of his mitre.  It was very still in the little Oratory, for it was the season when birds are hushed; and even Sir Charles Horner who was all by himself in the ante-chapel did not fidget or try to peep through the heavy brocaded curtains that shut out the quire.  Mark dared not look up when at the offertory Brother Anselm stood before the Altar and answered the solemn interrogations of the Father Superior, question after question about his faith and endurance in the life he desired to enter.  And to every question he answered clearly I will.  The Father Superior took the parchment on which were written the vows and read aloud the document.  Then it was placed upon the Altar, and there upon that sacrificial stone Brother Anselm signed his name to a contract with Almighty God.  The holy calm that shed itself upon the scene was like a spell on every heart that was beating there in unison with the heart of him who was drawing nearer to Heaven.  Prostrating himself, the professed monk prayed first to God the Father: 

     O receive me according to thy word that I may live; and let me not
     be disappointed of my hope.

The hearts that beat in unison with his took up the prayer, and the voices of his brethren repeated it word for word.  And now the professed monk prayed to God the Son: 

     O receive me according to thy word that I may live; and let me not
     be disappointed of my hope.

Once more his brethren echoed the entreaty.

And lastly the professed monk prayed to God the Holy Ghost: 

     O receive me according to thy word that I may live; and let me not
     be disappointed of my hope.

For the third time his brethren echoed the entreaty, and then one and all in that Oratory cried: