31

The sun was getting high, and Josephus made haste to

complete his circuit before the community assembled back

in the Sanctuary for prayers at Sext. He rushed past the Sis-

ters' Dormitory and entered the Chapter House, where the

rows of pine benches were empty, awaiting the appointea

hour when the abbot would read a chapter of The Rule o

St. Benedict to the assembled community. A sparrOw

gotten in and was urgently flapping overhead, so he let

ad

the

d0ors open in hopes it would find its freedom. At the rea

of the house he rapped his knuckles on the entrance

joining private chamber of the abbot.

he

Oswyn was sitting at the study table, his head

over his Bible. Golden shats ot light shone through

the glazed windows and struck the table in a perfect angle

to make the holy book appear to be glowing fiery orange.

Oswyn straightened himself enough to make eye contact

with his prior. "Ah, Josephus. HOw are things at the abbey

today?

They are well, Father."

"And what progress on our church, J