On her face was the light of a purposeful radiance.

The palfrey stepped as if proud of the burden he carried.
"She smiled and would have cried out gaily to the groups as she passed.
But, with one accord, the nuns dropped to their knees, with clasped hands, and faces uplifted, adoring.

Always they loved her, revered her, and thought her beautiful.

But this vision of the Prioress, whom none had ever seen mounted, riding forth into the sunshine on the snow-white palfrey, filled their hearts with praise and with wonder.
"Brother Philip leaned against the archway, watching.

He knew his hand upon the bridle was no longer needed, from the moment when he saw the Reverend Mother gather up the reins in her left hand, lay her right gently on the neck of Icon, and, bending, speak low in his ear.
"She sat a horse--said Philip--as only they can sit, who have ridden from childhood.
"She walked him round the meadow once, then gently shook the reins, and he broke into a trot.
"The watching nuns, now on their feet again, shrieked aloud, with fright and glee.
"At the extreme end of the meadow, wheeling sharply, she let him out into a canter.
"The nuns at this were petrified into dumbness.