Instantly the men-at-arms leapt to their feet, and making quickly for
the entrance to the Cathedral from the crypt, stood to hold it from
without, against all comers.
As their running feet rang on the steps, softly there sounded through
the crypt the plaintive call of the curlew.
The man lying upon the stretcher rose, leaving his bandages behind;
and, without glancing to right or left, passed quickly in and out
amongst the forest of columns, and was lost to view. The entrance he
had to guard from within, was out of sight of the altar. To all
intents and purposes, the two who still stood motionless in the shadow,
were now alone.
Then the Knight turned to the Prioress, took her right hand with his
left, and led her forward to the altar.
There he loosed her hand as they knelt side by side; he clasping his
upon the crossed hilt of his sword; she crossing hers upon her breast.
Presently the Prioress drew the marriage ring from the third finger of
her left hand, and gave it to the Knight.
Divining her desire, he rose, laid the ring upon the altar, then knelt
again.
Then rising, he took the ring, kissed it reverently, and slipped it
upon the little finger of his own left hand.
The sad eyes of the Prioress, watching him, said to this neither "yea"
nor "nay."
Rising she waited meekly to know his will for her. The Knight, the
blue cloak over his arm, turned to the stretcher, picked up the
bandages, then, spoke, very low, without looking at the Prioress.
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