Ralph had a strange struggle with himself that afternoon as he walked on
in the pleasant autumn weather through meadow and copse. The sight of
the patient women had touched him profoundly. Surely it was almost too
much to ask him to turn away his own sister from the place she loved! If
he relented, it was certain that no other Visitor would come that way
for the present; she might at least have another year or two of peace.
Was it too late?

He reminded himself again how such things were bound to happen; how
every change, however beneficial, must bring sorrow with it, and that to
turn back on such work because a few women suffered was not worthy of a
man. It was long before he could come to any decision, and the evening
was drawing on, and the time for Vespers come and gone before he turned
at last into the village to enquire for his servant.

The other men had seen nothing of Mr. Morris that day; he had not been
back to the village.

A group or two stared awefully at the fine gentleman with the strong
face and steady intolerant eyes, as he strode down the tiny street in
his rich dress, swinging his long silver-headed cane. They had learnt
who he was now, but were so overcome by seeing the King's Commissioner
that they forgot to salute him. As he turned the corner again he looked
round once more, and there they were still watching him. A few women had
come to the doors as well, and dropped their arched hands hastily and
disappeared as he turned.

The convent seemed all as he had left it earlier in the afternoon, as he
came in sight of it again. The high chapel roof rose clear against the
reddening sky, with the bell framed in its turret distinct as if carved
out of cardboard against the splendour.

He was admitted instantly when he rang on the bell, but the portress
seemed to look at him with a strange air of expectancy, and stood
looking after him as he went across the paved court to the door of the
guest-house.

There was a murmur of voices in the parlour as he paused in the entry,
and he wondered who was within, but as his foot rang out the sound
ceased.

He opened the door and went in; and then stopped bewildered.

In the dim light that passed through the window stood his father and
Mary Maxwell, his sister.

CHAPTER V

FATHER AND SON

None of the three spoke for a moment.

Then Mary drew her breath sharply as she saw Ralph's face, for it had
hardened during that moment into a kind of bli