"However," continued the Bishop, after a moment of rapid thought, "I
must forgo the melancholy luxury of meditating upon my folly, until
after we have taken prompt measures, so far as may be, to put right the
mischief it has wrought.
"This time, my good Philip, you shall be the bearer of my letter. Take
with you, as escort, two of our men--more, if you think needful. Ride
straight from here, by the most direct route to Castle Norelle, the
home of the noble Countess, lately wedded to Sir Hugh. I will make you
a plan of the road.
"If, when you reach the place, Sir Hugh and his bride have arrived, ask
to have speech with the Knight alone, and put the letter into his own
hands. But if they are yet on the way, ride to meet them, by a road I
will clearly indicate. Only be careful to keep out of sight of all
save the Knight or his body-servant, Martin Goodfellow.
"The letter delivered, and the answer in thy hands, return, to me as
speedily as may be, without overpressing men or steeds. How soon canst
thou set forth?"
"Within the hour, my lord," said Brother Philip, joyfully, cured of his
shame by this call to immediate service; "with an escort of three, that
we may ride by night as well as by day."
"Good," said the Bishop; and, as the lay-brother, bowing low, hastened
from the chamber, Symon of Worcester drew toward him writing materials,
and penned afresh his warning to the Knight; not at such length as in
the former missive, but making very clear the need for silence
concerning Mary Antony's previous knowledge of his visit to the
Nunnery, lest Mora should come to doubt the genuineness of the vision
which had brought her to her great decision, and which in very truth
had been wholly contrived by the loving heart and nimble wits of Mary
Antony.
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