It may suit me to keep the
nuns somewhat longer at their devotions.
"Should I sound the alarm bell, let all thy helpers run up here; but go
thou to the cell of Mother Sub-Prioress and persuade her not to rise.
If needful say that it is my command that she keep her bed. . . .
Great heavens! What a crash! May our Lady defend us! The lightning
inclines to strike. I shall pass to each cell and make sure that none
are too greatly alarmed."
"Now, haste thee, Antony; and not a word concerning thy fears must pass
thy lips to any; no mention of a twenty-first White Lady nor"--the
Prioress crossed herself--"of Sister Agatha, to whom may our Lord grant
everlasting rest."
Mary Antony, kneeling, kissed the hem of the Prioress's robe. Then,
rising, she said--with unwonted solemnity and restraint: "The Lord
defend you, Reverend Mother, from foes, seen and unseen," and, followed
by another blinding flash of lightning, she left the cell.
CHAPTER IX
THE PRIORESS SHUTS THE DOOR
The Prioress waited until the old lay-sister's shuffling footsteps died
away.
Then she passed out into the long, stone passage, leaving her own door
open wide.
Into each cell the Prioress went.
In each she found a kneeling nun, absorbed in her devotions. In no
cell were there two white figures. So simple were the fittings of
these cells, that no place of concealment was possible. One look, from
the doorway, sufficed.
Outside the cell of Sister Seraphine the Prioress paused, hearing words
within; then entered swiftly.
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