Chapter 4Once they reached the shower room, William didn’t know whether he was relieved or dismayed none of the monks were there. He showed Samuel where to collect large, white towels from cubicles inside the shower room door and then proceeded to the long benches across from the shower stalls. William waited until Samuel had stopped and chosen a hook on which to hang his clothes. William then moved several hooks away and set his basket down.
With his back turned to Samuel, William took the soap from his basket, then pushed the basket under the bench. He untied his cord, very aware Samuel was only a few feet behind him. William removed his robe, and hung it on the hook. His tunic followed, then his undergarment. He swiftly wrapped the towel around his waist and silently intoned the purity
