and again tended the fire. He
seemed to find it difficult to tell that which must next be told.

The Knight was breathing quickly. He sat immovable; yet the rubies on
his breast glittered continuously, like so many eager, fiery eyes.

The Bishop went on, speaking rapidly, the faggot-fork still in his
hand, his face turned to the fire.

"They had lifted Mary Antony down, and were crowding round Icon,
patting and praising him, when a message came from the Reverend Mother,
bidding Brother Philip to bring the palfrey into the courtyard; the
nuns to remain in the field.

"They watched the beautiful creature pace through the archway and
disappear, and none knew quite what would happen next. Philip heard
them discussing it later.

"Some thought the Bishop had sent for his palfrey. Others, that the
Reverend Mother had feared for the safety of the old lay-sister; or,
lest her brave example should fire the rest to be too venturesome. Yet
all eyes were turned toward the archway, vaguely expectant.

"And then----

"They heard the hoofs of Icon ring on the flagstones of the courtyard.

"They heard the calm voice of the Prioress. Could it be she who was
coming?

"Out from the archway, into the sunshine, alone and fearless; the
Prioress rode upon Icon. On her face was the light of a purposeful
radiance. The palfrey stepped as if proud of the burden he carried.

"She smiled and would have cried out gaily to the groups as she passed.
But, with one accord, the nuns dropped to their knees, with clasped
hands, and faces uplifted, adoring. Always they loved her, revered
her, and thought her beautiful. But this vision of the Prioress, whom
none had ever seen mounted, riding forth into the sunshine on the
snow-white palfrey, filled their hearts with praise and with wonder.

"Brother Philip leaned against the archway, watching. He knew his hand
upon the bridle was no longer needed, from the moment when he saw the
Reverend Mother gather up the reins in her left hand, lay her right
gently on the neck of Icon, and, bending, speak low in his ear.

"She sat a horse--said Philip--as only they can sit, who have ridden
from childhood.

"She walked him round the meadow once, then gently shook the reins, and
he broke into a trot.

"The watching nuns, now on their feet again, shrieked aloud, with
fright and glee.

"At the extreme end of the meadow, wheeling sharply, she let him out
into a canter.

"The nuns at this were p