Her anxiety and discomposure were very evident.

The priest bowed.
'I will be discreet, Madame,' he said, with the natural dignity of his calling.

'May I ask you to excuse me?
I have to walk into Selvapendente to fetch a letter.' He took off his flat beaver hat, bowed low and departed, swinging along at a great pace.

Eleanor felt herself repulsed.

She hurried back to the convent.