showed Philippa that not to know the
Grey Lady was to augur herself unknown, at least in the Vale of
Sempringham.

"Know you not the Grey Lady? All in the Vale know her."

"Where dwelleth she?"

"Up yonder"--but to Philippa's eyes, Elaine merely pointed to a cluster
of leafless trees on the hill-side.

"And is she one of the holy sisters?"

On this point Elaine was evidently doubtful. The Grey Lady did not
dwell in the convent, nor in any convent; she lived all alone, therefore
it was plain that she was not a sister. But she was always habited in
grey wherefore men called her the Grey Lady. No--she had no other name.

"A recluse, manifestly," said Philippa to herself; "the child does not
understand. But is she an anchoritess or an eremitess?--Does she ever
leave her cell?" [See Note 1.]

"Lady, she tendeth all the sick hereabout. She is a friend of every
woman in the Vale. My mother saith, an' it like you, that where there
is any wound to heal, or heart to comfort, there is the Grey Lady. And
she saith she hath a wonderful power of healing, as well for mind as
body. When Edeline our neighbour lost all her four children by fever
between the two Saint Agneses, [see Note 2], nobody could comfort her
till the Grey Lady came. And when Ida my playmate lay dying, and very
fearful of death, she said even the holy priest did her not so much good
as the Grey Lady. I think," ended Elaine softly, "she must be an angel
in disguise."

The child evidently spoke her thought literally.

"I will wait and see this Grey Lady," thought Philippa. "Let me see if
she can teach and comfort me. Ever since Guy of Ashridge visited
Kilquyt, I seem to have been going further from comfort every day.--
Canst thou lead me to the Grey Lady's cell?"

"I could; but she is not now there, Lady."

"When will she be there?"

"To-morrow, when the shadow beginneth to lengthen," replied Elaine, who
was evidently well acquainted with the Grey Lady's proceedings.

"Then to-morrow, when the shadow beginneth to lengthen, thou shalt come
to the convent gate, and I will meet with thee. Will thy mother give
thee leave?"

"Ay. She alway giveth me leave to visit the Grey Lady."

The appointment was made, and Philippa turned back to the convent.

"I was searching you, Lady de Sergeaux," said the portress, when
Philippa re-entered the gate. "During your absence, there came to the
priory close by a messenger from Arundel on his road tow