I guessed I had a man to deal with; though, Heaven knows, I dreamed not it was thou! But I tell thee, Hugh, if thou, or any man, attempt to lay defiling touch upon any nun in this Priory--myself, or another--I strike, and I strike home.
This blade will be driven up to the hilt in the offender's heart." The Knight rose to his feet, stepped to the window and leaned, with folded arms, against the wall.
"Put back thy weapon," he said, sternly, "into its hiding-place.

No other man is here; yet, should another come, my sword would well suffice to guard thine honour, and the honour of thy nuns." She looked at his dark face, scornful in its pain; then went at once, obedient, to the secret panel.
"Yes, Hugh," she said.

"That much of trust indeed I owe thy love." As she placed the dagger in the wall and closed the panel, something fell from her, intangible, yet real.
For so long, she had had to command.

Bowing, kneeling, hurrying women flew to do her behests.

Each vied with the others to magnify her Office.