Yet it was clear and unmistakable--a dispensation, signed and sealed by the Pope, releasing Mora, Countess of Norelle, from all vows and promises taken and made when she entered the Nunnery of the White Ladies of Worcester, at Whytstone, in the parish of dairies, and later on when she became Prioress of that same Nunnery; and furthermore stating that this full absolution was granted because it had been brought to the knowledge of His Holiness that this noble lady had entered the cloistered life owing to a wicked and malicious plot designed to wrest her castle and estates from her, and also to part her from a valiant Knight, at that time fighting in the Holy Wars, to whom she was betrothed.
Furthermore the deed empowered Symon, Bishop of Worcester or any priest he might appoint, to unite in marriage the Knight Crusader, Hugh d'Argent, and Mora de Norelle, sometime Prioress of the White Ladies of Worcester.
The Knight walked back to the hearth and stood before the Bishop, the parchment in his hand.
"My Lord Bishop," he said, "do I dream ?" Symon of Worcester smiled.

"Nay, my son.

Surely no dream of thine was ever signed by His Holiness, nor bore suspended from it the great seal of the Vatican! The document you hold will be sufficient answer to all questions, and will ensure your wife's position at Court and her standing in the outer world--should she elect to re-enter it.
"But whether she shall do this, or no, is not a matter upon which the Church would give a decisive or even an authoritative pronouncement; and the Holy Father adds, in, his letter to me, further important instructions.
"Firstly: that it must be the Prioress's own wish and decision, apart from any undue pressure from without, to resign her office and to accept this dispensation, freeing her from her vows.
"Secondly; that she must leave the Nunnery and the neighbourhood, secretly; if it be possible, appearing in her new position, as your wife, without much question being raised as to whence she came.
"Thirdly: that when her absence becomes known in the Nunnery, I am authorized solemnly to announce that she has been moved on by me, secretly, with the knowledge and approval of the Holy Father, to a place where she was required for higher service." The Bishop smiled as he pronounced the final words.

There was triumph in his eye.
The Knight still looked as if he felt himself to be dreaming; yet on his face was a great gladness of expectation.
"And, my lord," he exclaimed joyously, "what news for her! Shall you send it, in the morn, or yourself take it to her ?" The Bishop's lips were pressed against his finger-tips.
"I know not," he answered, slowly; "I know not that I shall either take or send it." "But, my lord, surely! It will settle all doubts, solve all questions, remove all difficulties----" "Tut! Tut! Tut!" exclaimed the Bishop.

"Good heavens, man! Dare I wed you to a woman you know so little?
Not for one instant, into her consideration of the matter, will have entered any question as to what Church or State might say or do.