She was changed; she shewed obvious signs of having passed through the furnace; but pure gold can stand the fire.

The strength of purpose, the noble outlook upon life, the gracious tenderness for others, had matured and developed.

Even the necessary restrictions of monastic life could not modify the grand lines--both mental, and physical--on which Nature had moulded her.
"I endeavoured to think no thoughts concerning her, other than should be thought of a holy lady who has taken vows of celibacy.

Yet, seeing her so fitted to have made house home for a man, helping him upward, and to have been the mother of a fine race of sons and daughters, I felt it grievous that in leaving the world for a reason which in no sense could be considered a true vocation, she should have cut herself off from such powers and possibilities.
"So passed the years in the calm service of God and of the Church; yet always I seemed aware that a crisis would come, and that, when that crisis came, she would need me." The Bishop paused and looked at the Knight.
Hugh's face was in shadow; but, as the Bishop looked at him, the rubies on his breast glittered in the firelight, as if some sudden thought had set him strongly quivering.
At sight of which, a flash of firm resolve, like the swift drawing of a sword, broke o'er the Bishop's calmness.

It was quick and powerful; it seemed to divide asunder soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart.