so, now I know why. Mother, the price of those gems shall buy back your
lands, and mayhap buy also permission from his Grace the King for the
continuance of your house, where you and yours shall worship as those
who went before you have done for many generations. I swear it in my own
name and in that of my child and of my husband also--if he lives."

"Your husband if he lives might need this wealth, sweet Cicely."

"Then, Mother, except to save his life, or liberty or honour, I tell you
I will refuse it to him, who, when he learns what you have done for me
and our son, would give it you and all else he has besides--nay, would
pay it as an honourable debt."

"Well, Cicely, in God's name and my own I thank you, and we'll see,
we'll see! Only be advised, lest Dr. Legh should learn of this treasure.
But where is it, Emlyn? Fear not to tell me who can be secret, for it
is well that more than one should know, and I think that your danger is
past."

"Yes, speak, Emlyn," said Cicely, "for though I never asked before,
fearing my own weakness, I am curious. None can hear us here."

"Then, Mistress, I will tell you. You remember that on the day of the
burning of Cranwell we sought refuge on the central tower, whence I
carried you senseless to the vault. Now in that vault we lay all night,
and while you swooned I searched with my fingers till I found a stone
that time and damp had loosened, behind which was a hollow. In that
hollow I hid the jewels that I carried wrapt in silk in the bosom of my
robe. Then I filled up the hole with dust scraped from the floor, and
replaced the stone, wedging it tight with bits of mortar. It is the
third stone counting from the eastern angle in the second course above
the floor line. There I set them, and there doubtless they lie to this
day, for unless the tower is pulled down to its foundations none will
ever find them in that masonry."

At this moment there came a knocking on the door. When it was opened by
Emlyn a nun entered, saying that the King's Visitor demanded to speak
with the Prioress.

"Show him here since I cannot come to him," said Mother Matilda, "and
you, Cicely and Emlyn, bide with me, for in such company it is well to
have witnesses."

A minute later Dr. Legh appeared accompanied by his secretaries,
gorgeously attired and puffing from the stairs.

"To business, to business," he said, scarcely stopping to acknowledge
the greetings of the Prioress. "Your convent is seques