Then she hurried onward, knocked upon the door of the Reverend Mother's cell and, being bidden to enter, passed within, closed the door behind her, and dropped upon her knees.
The Prioress stood beside the casement, gazing at the golden glory of the sunset.

She was, for the moment, unconscious of her surroundings.
Her mind was away behind those crimson battlements.
Presently she turned and saw the old woman, kneeling at the door.
"How now, dear Antony ?" she said, kindly.

"Get up! Hang the key in its appointed place, and make me thy report.

Have all returned?
As always, is all well ?" The old lay-sister rose, hung the massive key upon a nail; then came to the feet of the Prioress, and knelt again.
"Reverend Mother," she said, "all who went forth have returned.

But all is not well.