We can have no Madonna groups in Nunneries, saving those carven in marble or stone." To which there followed a silence, lasting many minutes.
Then the Knight said, with effort, speaking very low: "It is _not_ too late." Instantly the keen eyes were searching his face.

A line of crimson leapt to the Bishop's cheek, as if a whip-lash had been drawn across it.
Presently: "Fool!" he whispered, but the word savoured more of pitying tenderness than of scorn.

Alas! was there ever so knightly a fool, or so foolish a knight! "What was the trouble, boy?
Didst find that after all she loved thee not ?" "Nay," said Hugh, quickly, "I thank God, and our Lady, that my wife loves me as I never dreamed that such as I could be loved by one so perfect in all ways as she.

But--at first--all was so new and strange to her.

It was wonder enough to be out in the world once more, free to come and go; to ride abroad, looking on men and things.