Wherefore, you ask?
Wherefore should the great Lord Bishop walk in the Convent garden with an old lay-sister, who ceased to be a comely wench more than half a century ago?
Because, Sister Mark, if you needs must know, the Lord Bishop is full of anxious fears for the Reverend Mother, and knoweth that Mary Antony, old though she be, is able to tend and watch over her.

The Lord Bishop and the Worthy Mother both fear that the Reverend Mother fasts too often, and spends too many hours in vigil.

The Reverend Father has therefore deputed the Worthy Mother to watch in this matter, and to let him know at once if the Reverend Mother imperils her health again, by too lengthy a fast or vigil.

And, lo! this very day, the Reverend Mother purposes not coming to the evening meal, and intends spending the whole night in prayer and vigil, before our Lady's shrine.

Therefore the Worthy Mother--I, myself--must start at once to fetch the great Lord Bishop; and you, Sister Mary Mark, must open the gate and let me be gone." The porteress gazed, round-eyed and amazed.
"Nay, Sister Mary Antony, that can I not, without an order from the Reverend Mother herself.