But to the Reverend Mother, guarding her flock from sin or shame, a
visitor from the Unseen World held less of horror than a possible
intruder from the Seen.
A rapid glance as she sounded the bell, had shown her that the passage
was empty.
Which cell now sheltered two, where there should be but one?
The Prioress walked across to a recess near the south window, touched a
spring, and slid back a portion of the oak panelling. Passing her hand
into a secret hiding place in the wall, she drew forth a beautifully
fashioned dagger, with carved ivory handle, crossed metal thumb-guard,
blade of bevelled steel, polished and narrowing to a sharp needle
point. She tested the point, then slipped the weapon into her belt,
beneath her scapulary. As she closed the panel, and turned back into
the chamber, a light of high resolve was in her eyes. Her whole
bearing betokened so fine a fearlessness, such noble fixity of purpose
that, looking on her, Mary Antony felt her own fears vanishing.
"Now listen, dear Antony," said the Prioress, holding the old woman
with her look. "I must make sure that this twenty-first White Lady of
thine is but a trick played on thee by thy peas. Should she be
anywhere in the Convent I shall most certainly have speech with her.
"Meanwhile, go thou to thy kitchens, and give thy mind to the preparing
of the evening meal. But ring not the Refectory bell until I bid thee.
Nay, I myself will sound it this evening.
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