It may well serve as a reminder of
that famous sacred stone from which the Convent takes its name.
Methinks we have, between us, contrived something of an omen,
concluding in thy favour."
Presently the Bishop, alone in his library, stood the white stone upon
the iron-bound chest within which he had placed the Pope's mandate.
"The age of miracles is past," he said again. "Iron no longer swims,
neither do stones rise from the depths of a river, unless the Divine
command be supplemented by the grip of strong human fingers.
"Stand there, thou little tombstone of our hopes. Mark the place where
lies the Holy Father's mandate, ecclesiastically all-powerful, yet
rendered null and void by the faithful conscience and the firm will of
a woman. God send us more such women!"
The Bishop sounded a silver gong, and when his body-servant appeared,
pointed to the handkerchief, damp and crumpled, upon the table.
"Dry this, Jasper," he said, "and bring me another somewhat larger.
These dainty trifles cannot serve, when 'tears run down like a river.'
Nay, look not distressed, my good fellow. I do but jest. Yonder wet
Knight hath given me a shower-bath."
CHAPTER XXIX
THE VISION OF MARY ANTONY
On the afternoon following the Bishop's unexpected visit to the Nunnery,
the Prioress elected to walk last in the procession to and from the
Cathedral, placing Mother Sub-Prioress first. It was her custom
occasionally to vary the order of procession.
Pages:
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226