The monks’ residence was at the top of the hill, overlooking the vineyards. Peter rang the bell, and one of the brothers waved us in. “What can I do you for?” he said rather heartily. “I’ve come to visit one of the brothers here, Brother Robert” Peter said. “That rascal!” the brother said, pounding his palm with his fist. “No one is allowed to see him!”

“Oh”, said Peter. He had come by train from New Jersey.

“He died two days ago.”