Let there be services held daily in the church, but I beseech you strive in your discourses to cheer the people rather than to depress them, and to dwell more upon the joys that await those who die as Christian men and women than upon the sorrows of those who remain behind.

My wife and mother will anon be down in the village and will strive to cheer and comfort the people, and I look to you for aid in this matter." The priest, who was naturally a timid man, nevertheless nerved himself to carry out Walter's suggestions, and soon the dismal tones of the bell ceased to be heard in the village.
Walter despatched messengers to all the outlying farms desiring his tenants to meet him that afternoon at the castle in order that measures might be concerted for common aid and assistance.

An hour later Dame Vernon and Edith came down and visited all the houses where the plague had made its appearance, distributing their soups, and by cheering and comforting words raising the spirits of the relatives of the sufferers.
The names of all the women ready to aid in the general work of nursing were taken down, and in the afternoon at the meeting at the castle the full arrangements were completed.

Work was to be carried on as usual in order to occupy men's minds and prevent them from brooding over the ravages of the plague.

Information of any case that occurred was to be sent to the castle, where soups and medicines were to be obtained.
Whenever more assistance was required than could be furnished by the inmates of a house another woman was to be sent to aid.