Sister Mary Seraphine had reached her cell. The door was shut.

Old Antony's knees creaked as she arose, but her wizened face was once
more cheerful.

"Beans in her broth to-night," she said. "One for 'woman'; another for
the hen-yard; a third for threatening penance when I did but chant a
melodious 'Amen.' I'll give her beans--castor beans!"

Down the steps she went, pushed the heavy door to, locked it, and drew
forth the key; then turned her steps toward the cell of the Reverend
Mother.

On her way thither, she paused at a certain door and listened, her ear
against the oaken panel. Then she hurried onward, knocked upon the
door of the Reverend Mother's cell and, being bidden to enter, passed
within, closed the door behind her, and dropped upon her knees.

The Prioress stood beside the casement, gazing at the golden glory of
the sunset. She was, for the moment, unconscious of her surroundings.
Her mind was away behind those crimson battlements.

Presently she turned and saw the old woman, kneeling at the door.

"How now, dear Antony?" she said, kindly. "Get up! Hang the key in
its appointed place, and make me thy report. Have all returned? As
always, is all well?"

The old lay-sister rose, hung the massive key upon a nail; then came to