The Miracle at St. Bruno's

When it was known that Rolf Weaver was in the Abbey and that his purpose was to make an inventory of the treasures there and divert them from St. Bruno's Abbey to the King, there had been time to secret some of the jewelry into hiding places in the tunnels and cellars. The Abbot died and because of the scandal created by Ambrose and Keziah it was known there would be no compensation for anyone there. All the monks would be turned adrift to fend for themselves. Brother Valerian had therefore given each monk a few jewels which would perhaps give him a start so that he might not die of starvation and have to suffer the indignity of begging. Had this been discovered death would have been the reward of those who had jewels in their possession but the desperate nature of their situation made them ready to take that risk.

As I knew, Bruno had come to our house for a while. There he had kept the jewels secreted on his person and later he had left us to go into London. He had reason to believe that Brother Valerian had given him jewels of some special value; he knew too that several monks had been discovered selling jewels from abbeys and monasteries and had been condemned to death for this, so he delayed before selling and came to our house that he might have somewhere to live during that waiting period. He then tried the smallest of the jewels in his possession and this realized enough money to take him abroad. He had decided to go to France, Italy or the Low Countries and there sell the remainder of the jewels in his possession.

He had when in London made the acquaintance of one of the King's most important ministers who, aware of who he was and being convinced that the confession of Keziah and Ambrose had been wrung from them by torture, befriended him; and hearing that he was going abroad suggested that he might take a message to an important minister who served the Emperor Charles.

This Bruno had done so successfully that he was brought to the King's notice and the King had received him and thanked him personally for the service rendered. Now that he was growing older and he suffered so acutely from the abscess in his leg, the King had grown more interested in booklore and the erudition of Bruno had attracted him. They had even enjoyed a very pleasant discourse on theology and Bruno, being well versed in the King's own book which had years ago earned for him the title of Defender of the Faith, the King found the conversation very agreeable.

Bruno disposed of more jewels advantageously and was able to live like a man of some means, so no surprise was shown when he let it be known that he was interested in acquiring an estate and that Abbey lands would suit him very well.

St. Bruno's had not yet an owner and was available to someone who could pay what was necessary.

"So," he finished, "that is why I am here and the mansion which will arise from the ashes of the old Abbey will be my home, your home and that of our children.”

It was a strange story and had it been anyone but Bruno, would have been hard to believe; but when told it I was ready to accept the fact that with him-who was different from other mortals-nothing was too strange to be true.

There was the excitement of wedding preparations. My mother was ready to forget everything in her desire to do all that was necessary.

That I was to live near by delighted her; that I was to marry a man of great wealth-for so it seemed-pleased her too. She had been secretly worried about my dowry.

Now there was the bridecake to be made and my dress to be planned, she was in a fever of excitement-so much so that she did not even notice the glowering looks of her husband.

Clement was determined to excel himself. He and Eugene had already spoken to Bruno.

As soon as the wedding was over they wanted to come to the Abbey. We should need masters of our bake and brew houses. And who knew the Abbey's better than they?

To be back would be glorious for them both; Clement was a man who could settle in anywhere, but Eugene had suffered nostalgia. To be back, to serve their young master.

I overheard them as they discussed it. "It's a miracle," whispered Eugene.

"And what do you expect but miracles with that one?" answered Clement.

Kate and Lord Remus came to Caseman Court for the wedding.

On the first day of their arrival Kate was up in my room-the door shutting us in-she stretched on my bed and I in the window seat as in the old days.

"You, Damask!" she cried. "You to marry Bruno! I can't believe it.”

"Why be so incredulous? You have come to a wedding, yet you are surprised to find there is to be a bridegroom.”

"That bridegroom!" she said. "And to think of it! He is rich. Is he as rich as Remus?

To buy the Abbey! How is it possible?”

"You know Bruno is not as other men. When he wants something he takes it.”

"Not always," she contradicted.

"You must admit he has the Abbey. He always wanted it. In the old days he believed he would be the Abbot. Now he owns it.”