Thy knee, my son--that we may, with our own hand, and
without loss of time, induct thee into office."
"Kneel down," said the Kitchener on the one side; and "Kneel down,"
said the Refectioner on the other.
But Halbert Glendinning remained standing.
"Were it to show gratitude and good-will for your reverend lordship's
noble offer, I could not," he said, "kneel low enough, or remain long
enough kneeling. But I may not kneel to take investure of your noble
gift, my Lord Abbot, being a man determined to seek my fortune
otherwise."
"How is that, sir?" said the Abbot, knitting his brows; "do I hear you
speak aright? and do you, a born vassal of the Halidome, at the moment
when I am destining to you such a noble expression of my good-will,
propose exchanging my service for that of any other?"
"My lord," said Halbert Glendinning, "it grieves me to think you hold
me capable of undervaluing your gracious offer, or of exchanging your
service for another. But your noble proffer doth but hasten the
execution of a determination which I have long since formed."
"Ay, my son," said the Abbot, "is it indeed so?--right early have you
learned to form resolutions without consulting those on whom you
naturally depend. But what may it be, this sagacious resolution, if I
may so far pray you?"
"To yield up to my brother and mother," answered Halbert, "mine
interest in the fief of Glendearg, lately possessed by my father,
Simon Glendinning: and having prayed your lordship to be the same kind
and generous master to them, that your predecessors, the venerable
Abbots of Saint Mary's, have been to my fathers in times past; for
myself, I am determined to seek my fortune where I may best find it.
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