And so she might, thought Cadfael an hour later, on his way to obey the summons of the Vesper bell.

The Vesper bell silenced their private pleasure.

Though the Vesper bells were ringing as the procession passed into the castleyard, and though Alroy's head ached abominably from the weight of the crown and the heat and the lack of food since late the night before, little respite would be allowed.

Soon it would be time for the Vesper bell.

Cadfael had intended crossing the open garth to the precentor's workshop, to sit down comfortably with Anselm for a quarter of an hour, until the Vesper bell, and talk and perhaps argue about music.

The Vesper bell had begun to chime.

They went out together in silence, into the chilly air of the great court, and there separated, Meurig striking across briskly towards the gatehouse, Cadfael making for the church, where the Vesper bell could be only a few minutes delayed.