As Ralph came in, the door from the nunnery opened again, and a lay sister came out hastily; she moved straight across and took the horse by the bridle.

“Give him a good meal, sister,” said the Abbess; and went past Ralph to the door of the guest-house.

“Come in, Mr. Torridon; there will be lights immediately.”

* * * * *

In half an hour Ralph found himself at supper in the guest-parlour; a bright fire crackled on the hearth, a couple of candles burned on the table, and a pair of old darned green curtains hung across the low window.

The Abbess came in when he had finished, dismissed the lay-sister who had waited on him, and sat down herself.

“You shall see your sister to-morrow, Mr. Torridon,” she said, “it is a little late now.  I have sent the boy up to the village for your servant; he can sleep in this room if you wish.  I fear we have no room for more.”

Ralph watched her as she talked.  She was very old, with hanging cheeks, and solemn little short-sighted eyes, for she peered at him now and again across the candles.  Her upper lip was covered with a slight growth of dark hair.  She seemed strangely harmless; and Ralph had another prick of compunction as he thought of the news he had to give her on the morrow.  He wondered how much she knew.

“We are so glad it is you, Mr. Torridon, that have come to visit us.  We feared it might be Dr. Layton; we have heard sad stories of him.”

Ralph hardened his heart.

“He has only done his duty, Reverend Mother,” he said.

“Oh! but you cannot have heard,” exclaimed the old lady.  “He has robbed several of our houses we hear—­even the altar itself.  And he has turned away some of our nuns.”

Ralph was silent; he thought he would at least leave the old lady in peace for this last night.  She seemed to want no answer; but went on expatiating on the horrors that were happening round them, the wicked accusations brought against the Religious, and the Divine vengeance that would surely fall on those who were responsible.

Finally she turned and questioned him, with a mingling of deference and dignity.

“What do you wish from us.  Mr. Torridon?  You must tell me, that I may see that everything is in order.”

Ralph was secretly amused by her air of innocent assurance.

“That is my business, Reverend Mother.  I must ask for all the books of the house, with the account of any sales you may have effected, properly recorded.  I must have a list of the inmates of the house, with a statement of any corrodies attached; and the names and ages and dates of profession of all the Religious.”

The Abbess blinked for a moment.

“Yes, Mr. Torridon.  You will allow me of course to see all your papers to-morrow; it is necessary for me to be certified that all your part is in order.”

Ralph smiled a little grimly.