"I am too old to be keeping company, even with thee.

Also Sister Mary Rebecca awaits thee in her cell." "The Reverend Mother ever walked with her head among the stars," sneered the Devil.

"Why do the highest fall the lowest, when temptation comes ?" "Ask that of Mother Sub-Prioress," said Mary Antony, "next time she bids thee to supper." Then she clasped her old hands upon her breast; for, very softly, in the lock below, a key turned.
Steps, felt rather than heard, passed up into the cloister.
Then, in the dim light, the tall figure of the Prioress moved noiselessly over the flagstones, passed through the open door and up the deserted passage.
Peering eagerly forward, the old lay-sister saw the Prioress pause outside the door of her chamber, lift her master-key, unlock the door, and pass within.
As the faint sound of the closing of the door reached her straining ears, old Mary Antony began to sob, helplessly..