That afternoon and evening recreation was unusually noisy, and during Vespers one or two of the brethren were seized with an attack of giggles because Brother Lawrence, who was in a rapt condition of mind owing to the near approach of St. Lawrence's day when he was to be clothed as a novice, tripped while he was holding back the cope during the Censing of the Magnificat and falling on his knees almost upset Father Lamplugh.
"The Altar Steps"
Compton MacKenzie