But I could not speak of it to thee until I knew it in fullest detail, and had consulted with the Bishop concerning its possible effect upon thy future.

Hence my instant departure to Worcester.

That which I now shall tell thee, I had, in each particular, from the Bishop in most secret conversations.
He and I, alone, know of this matter." Then with his arms folded upon his breast, his eye fixed upon the sunny garden, beyond the window, deep sorrow, compunction, and, at times, awe in his voice, Hugh d'Argent recited the entire history of the pretended vision; beginning with the hiding of herself of old Antony in the inner cell, her anxiety concerning the Reverend Mother, confided to the Bishop; his chance remark, resulting in the old woman's cunningly devised plan to cheat the Prioress into accepting happiness.
And, as he told it, the horror of the sacrilege fell as a dark shadow between them, eclipsing even the radiance of their love.

Upon which being no longer blinded, Mora clearly perceived the other issue which she was called upon to face: If our Lady's sanction miraculously given to the step she had taken in leaving the Nunnery had after all _not_ been given, what justification had she for remaining in the world?
Presently Hugh reached the scene of the full confession and death of the old lay-sister.

He told it with reverent simplicity.