impatient. His hand was
on the twisted iron handle to ring again fiercely, when there was a step
within, and a light once more shone out.

"Who is it?" said an old woman's voice, with a note of anxiety in it.

"I have sent word in," said Ralph peevishly, "that I am one of the
King's Visitors. I should be obliged if I might not be kept here all
night."

There was a moment's silence; the horse sighed sonorously.

"How am I to know, sir?" said the voice again.

"Because I tell you so," snapped Ralph. "And if more is wanted, my name
is Torridon. You have a sister of mine in there."

There was an exclamation from within; and the sound of whispering; and
then hasty footsteps went softly across the paved court inside.

The voice spoke again.

"I ask your pardon, sir; but have you any paper--or--"

Ralph snatched out a document of identification, and leaned forward
from his horse to pass it through the opening. He felt trembling fingers
take it from him; and a moment later heard returning footsteps.

There was a rustle of paper, and then a whisper within.

"Well, my dear?"

Something shifted in the bright square, and it grew gloomy as a face
pressed up against the bars. Then again it shifted and the light shone
out, and a flutter of whispers followed.

"Really, madam--" began Ralph; but there was the jingle of keys, and the
sound of panting, and almost immediately a bolt shot back, followed by
the noise of a key turning. A chorus of whispers broke out and a scurry
of footsteps, and then the door opened inwards and a little old woman
stood there in a black habit, her face swathed in white above and below.
The others had vanished.

"I am very sorry, Mr. Torridon, to have kept you at the door; but we
have to be very careful. Will you bring your horse in, sir?"

Ralph was a little abashed by the sudden development of the situation,
and explained that he had only come to announce his arrival; he had
supposed that there would not be room at the nunnery.

"But we have a little guest-house here," announced the old lady with a
dignified air, "and room for your horse."

Ralph hesitated; but he was tired and hungry.

"Come in, Mr. Torridon. You had better dismount and lead your horse in.
Sister Anne will see to it."

"Well, if you are sure--" began Ralph again, slipping a foot out of the
stirrup.

"I am sure," said the Abbess; and stood aside for him and his beast to
pass.

There was a little court, lighted by