the feet of the Prioress, and knelt again.

"Reverend Mother," she said, "all who went forth have returned. But
all is not well. Sister Mary Seraphine is uttering wild cries in her
cell; and much I fear me, Mother Sub-Prioress may pass by, and hear
her."

The face of the Prioress grew stern and sad; yet, withal, tender. She
raised the lay-sister, and gently patted the old hands which trembled.

"Go thy ways, dear Antony," she said. "I myself will visit the little
Sister in her cell. None will attempt to enter while I am there."




CHAPTER IV

"GIVE ME TENDERNESS," SHE SAID

The Prioress knelt before a marble group of the Virgin and Child,
placed where the rays of evening sunshine, entering through the western
casement, played over its white beauty, shedding a radiance on the pure
face of the Madonna, and a halo of golden glory around the Infant
Christ.

"Mother of God," prayed the Prioress, with folded hands, "give me
patience in dealing with wilfulness; grant me wisdom to cope with
unreason; may it be given me to share the pain of this heart in
torment, even as--when thou didst witness the sufferings of thy dear