She was called to face a desperate danger. Single-handed, she had to
meet a subtle foe. She asked no help from others, but she took no
needless risks.
As she passed the cell of Mary Seraphine, using her master-key, she
locked that lady in!
CHAPTER X
"I KNOW YOU FOR A MAN"
Entering her cell, the Prioress saw at once that her orders had been
obeyed.
The hooded figure stood on the far side of the chamber, leaning broad
shoulders against the wall. Under the cape, the arms were folded; she
could see that the feet were crossed beneath the robe. The dress was
indeed the dress of a White Lady, but the form within it was so
obviously that of a man--a big man, at bay, and inclined to be
defiant--that, despite the strange situation, despite her anger, and
her fears, the contrast between the holy habit and its hidden wearer,
forced from the Prioress an unwilling smile.
Closing the door, she drew forward a chair of dark Spanish wood, the
gift of the Lord Bishop; a chair which well betokened the dignity of
her high office.
Seating herself, she laid her left hand lightly upon the mane of one of
the carved lions which formed, on either side, the arms of the chair;
but her right hand still gripped unseen the ivory hilt; while leaning
slightly forward, with feet firmly planted, she was ready at any moment
to spring erect.
"I know you for a man," she said.
The thunder rumbled far away in the distance.
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