to be Prioress of the White Ladies of Worcester; but when
she laid herself down before the shrine of Saint Oswald, full length
upon the stretcher, at her lover's feet.

Hugh stooped, and hid the bandages beside her. He could not bring
himself to touch or to disguise that lovely head. Instead, he covered
her completely with the cloak; saying, in deep tones of infinite
tenderness:

"Our Lady be with thee. It will not be for long."

Then, shrill through the silent crypt, rang the dear call of the
blackbird.

CHAPTER XXXII

A GREAT RECOVERY AND RESTORATION

Symon, Bishop of Worcester, attended by his Chaplain, chanced to be
walking through the Precincts on his way from the Priory to the Palace,
just as the men-at-arms bearing the stretcher came through the great
door of the Cathedral.

Father Benedict, cowled, and robed completely in black, a head and
shoulders taller than the Bishop, walked behind him, a somewhat
sinister figure.

The Bishop stopped. "Precede me to the Palace, Father Benedict," he
said. "I wish to have speech with yonder Knight who, I think, comes
this way."

The Chaplain stood still, made deep obeisance, jerked his cowl more
closely over his face, and strode away.

The Bishop waited, a radiant figure, in the afternoon sunshine. His
silken cassock, his silvery hair, his blue eyes, so vivid and
searching, not only made a spot on which light concentrated, but almost
seemed themselves to give forth light.

The steady tramp of the men-at-arms drew nearer.

Hugh d'Argent walked beside the stretcher, head erect, eyes shining,
his hand upon the hilt of his sword.

When the Bishop saw the face of the Knight, he moved to meet the little
procession as it approached.

He held up his hand, and the men-at-arms halted.

"Good-day to you, Sir Hugh," said the Bishop. "Hath your pilgrimage to
the shrine of the blessed Saint Oswald worked the recovery you hoped?"

"Aye, my lord," replied the Knight, "a great recovery and restoration.
We start for Warwick in an hour's time."

"Wonderful!" said the Bishop. "Our Lady and the holy Saint be praised!
But you are wise to keep the patient well covered. However complete
the restoration, great care is required at first, and over-exertion
must be avoided."

"Your blessing for the patient, Reverend Father," said the Knight,
uncovering.

The Bishop moved nearer. He laid his hand upon the form beneath the
blue and silver cloak.

"_Benedicti