When the World and the Flesh call loudly enough, the best of women go to the Devil." "Liar!" said Mary Antony, brandishing her wooden spoon.

"Get thee behind me--nay, rather, get thee in front of me! I have had thee skulking behind me long enough.

Also in front of me, just now, being into the fire, thou wilt feel at home, Master Devil! Only, put not thy tail into the Reverend Mother's broth." When the White Ladies passed up from the Refectory, Mary Antony chanced to be polishing the panelling around the picture of Saint Mary Magdalen, beside the door of the Reverend Mother's cell.
Presently Sister Mary Rebecca, arriving, lifted her hand to knock.
"Stay!" whispered Mary Antony.

"The Reverend Mother may not be disturbed." Sister Mary Rebecca veiled her scowl with a smile.
"And wherefore not, good Sister Antony ?" "'Wherefore not' is not my business," retorted old Antony, as rudely as she knew how.

"It may be for special study; it may be for an hour of extra devotion; it may be only the very natural desire for a little respite from the sight of two such ugly faces as yours and mine.