Mark wondered why Brother George did not protest against the expenditure, and he came to the conclusion that the Prior was as much bewitched by ambition for his farm as the head of the Order was by his hope of a mighty fane.

Thus things drifted during the summer, when, since the Father Superior was not away so much, his influence was exerted more strongly over the brethren, though at the same time he was not attracting as much money as was now always required in ever increasing amounts.

Such preaching as he did manage later on during the autumn was by no means so financially successful as his campaign of the preceding year at the same time.  Perhaps the natural buoyancy of his spirit led Father Burrowes in his disappointment to place more trust than he might otherwise have done in Brother Anthony’s plan for the benefit of the Order.  The cloister became like Aladdin’s Cave whenever there were enough brethren assembled to make an audience for his luscious projects and prefigurations.  Sundays were the days when Brother Anthony was particularly eloquent, and one Sunday in mid-September—­it was the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross—­he surpassed himself.

“My notion would be to copy,” he proclaimed, “with of course certain improvements, the buildings on Monte Cassino.  We are not quite so high here; but then on the other hand that is an advantage, because it will enable us to allot less space to the superficial area.  Yes, I have a very soft spot for the cloisters of Monte Cassino.”

Brother Anthony gazed round for the approbation of the assembled brethren, none of whom had the least idea what the cloisters of Monte Cassino looked like.

“And I think some of our altar furniture is a little mean,” Brother Anthony continued.  “I’m not advocating undue ostentation; but there is room for improvement.  They understood so well in the Middle Ages the importance of a rich equipment.  If I’d only known when I was in Sienna this spring that I was coming here, I should certainly have bought a superb reredos that was offered to me comparatively cheap.  The columns were of malachite and porphyry, and the panels of rosso antico with scrolls of lumachella.  They only asked 15,000 lire.  It was absurdly cheap.  However, perhaps it would be wiser to wait till we finish the Abbey Church before we decide on the reredos.  I’m very much in favour of beaten gold for the tabernacle.  By the way, Reverend Father, have you decided to build an ambulatory round the clerestory?  I must say I think it would be effective, and of course for meditation unique.  I shall have to find if my money will run to it.  Oh, and Brother Birinus, weren’t you saying the other day that the green vestments were rather faded?  Don’t worry.  I’m only waiting to make up my mind between velvet and brocade for the purple set to order a completely new lot, including a set in old rose damask for mid-Lent.  It always seems to me such a mistake not to take advantage of that charming use.”