Instead, the summer
sunshine poured in through open casements.
"Well, my dear Hugh," said the Bishop, "suppose you now tell me the
reason which brings you hither. It must surely be a matter of grave
importance which could cause so devoted a lover and husband to leave
his bride, and go a five days' journey from her, within two weeks of
the bridal day."
"I have come, my lord," said the Knight, speaking slowly and with
evident effort, "to learn from your lips the entire truth concerning
that vision which caused the Prioress of the White Ladies to hold
herself free to renounce her vows, leave her Nunnery, and give herself
in marriage where she had been betrothed before entering the Cloister."
"Tut!" said the Bishop. "The White Ladies have no Prioress. Mother
Sub-Prioress doth exercise the functions of that office until such time
as the Prior and myself shall make a fresh appointment. We are not
here to talk of prioresses, my son, but of that most noble and gracious
lady who, by the blessing of God and our Lady's especial favour, is now
your wife. See to it that you continue to deserve your great good
fortune."
The Knight made no protest at the mention of our Lady; but his left
hand moved to the medallion hanging by a gold chain from his neck,
covered it and clasped it firmly.
The Bishop paused; but finding that the Knight had relapsed into
silence, continued:
"So you wish the entire history of the inspired devotion of the old
lay-sister, Mary Antony--may God rest her soul.
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