down.  Empty heads, like empty eggshells, are soon broken.  Tell her you have consulted me concerning her desire to return to the world; and that I, being lenient, and holding somewhat wider views on this subject than the majority of prelates, also being well acquainted with the mind of His Holiness the Pope concerning those who embrace the religious life for reasons other than a true vocation, have promised to arrange the matter of a dispensation.  But add that there must be no possibility of any scandal connected with the Nunnery.  Since the Lady Wulgeova, mother of Bishop Wulstan, of blessed memory, took the veil here a century and a half ago, this house has ever been above reproach.  You will tacitly allow her to slip away; and, once away, I will set matters right for her.  But nothing must transpire which could stumble or scandalise the other members of the Community.  The peculiar circumstances which the Knight made known to me—­always, of course, without making any mention of the name of Seraphine—­can hardly have occurred in any other case.  It is not likely, for instance, that our worthy Sub-Prioress was torn by treachery from the arms of a despairing lover; and she would undoubtedly share your very limiting ideas of a lover’s physical qualities and requirements; possibly not even allowing him a voice.

“Now I happen to know that the Knight daily spends the hour of Vespers in the Cathedral crypt, kneeling before the shrine of Saint Oswald beside a stretcher whereon lies one of his men, much bandaged about the head, swathed in linen, and covered with a cloak.  The Knight has my leave to lay the sick man before the holy relics, daily, for five days.  I asked of him what he expected would result from so doing.  He made answer:  ‘A great recovery and restoration.’”

The Bishop paused, as if meditating upon the words.  Then he slowly repeated them, taking evident pleasure in each syllable.

“A great recovery and restoration,” said the Bishop, and smiled.

“Well?  The blessed relics can do much.  They may avail to mend a broken head.  Could they mend a broken heart?  I know not.  That were, of the two, the greater miracle.”

The Bishop glanced at the Prioress.

Her face was averted.

“Well, my daughter, matters being as they are, you may inform Sister Mary Seraphine that, should she chance to lose her way among the hundred and forty-two columns, when passing through the crypt after Vespers, she will find a Knight, who will doubtless know what to do next.  If he can contrive to take her safely from the Cathedral and out of the Precincts, she will have to ride with him to Warwick, where a priest will be in readiness to wed them.  But it would be well that Sister Mary Seraphine should have some practice in mounting and riding, before she goes on so adventurous a journey.  She may remember the crimson trappings of her palfrey, and yet have forgotten how to sit him.  It is for us to make sure that the Knight’s brave plans for the safe capture of his lady, do not fail for lack of any help which we may lawfully give.”