before you, for the folk of this
land are fierce and quick to violence; but here you may ever refresh
yourselves from toil and take your rest, free from danger. No loving
offices or lowly observance, no, nor ought you desire is there that you
may not have for the asking--or without the asking, if it be given me
to know your wish unspoken."

Hilary and the brethren bowed low at these gracious words, and thought
within themselves: Of a truth this may be a woman, but she is no less
an Angel for our strength and solacement.

"In the days to come," said the lady, "there will be many things to ask
and learn from you, but now ere this summer night draws to end let me
have knowledge of divine things from thee, most holy father, for thou
art wise and canst answer all my questionings."

And Hilary smiled gravely, not ill pleased at her words of praise, and
said: "Ask, daughter."

"First tell me," she said, "which of all the small things God has made
in the world is the most excellent?"

Hilary wondered and mused, but could find no answer; and when he would
have said so, the voice which came from his lips spoke other words than
those he intended to speak, so that instead of saying "This is a
question I cannot answer," his voice said: "Of all small things made by
God, most excellent is the face of man and woman; for among all the
faces of the children of Adam not any one hath ever been wholly like
any other; and there in smallest space God has placed all the senses of
the body; and it is in the face that we see, as in a glass, darkly, all
that can be seen of the invisible soul within."

[Illustration: _Hilary wondered and mused_]

The companions listened marvelling, but Hilary marvelled no less than
they.

"It is well answered," said the lady, "and yet it seemed to me there
was one thing more excellent. But let me ask again: What earth is
nearest to heaven?"

Again Hilary mused and was silent. Then, once more, the voice which
was his voice and yet spoke words which he did not think to speak, gave
the answer: "The body of Him who died on the tree to save us, for He
was of our flesh, and our flesh is earth of the earth."

"That too is well answered," said the lady, who had grown pale and
gazed on the Bishop with great gloomy eyes; "and yet I had thought of
another answer. Once more let me question you: What is the distance
between heaven and earth?"

Then for the third time was Hilary unable to reply, but the voice