Now put on this dress'-- and he handed me a white Dominican hood and robe--'and follow me.' 'First,' I said, 'let me give this medicine to the abbess, for I will have no hand in its administering.

Take it, mother, and when the time comes, pour the contents of the phial into a cup of water.

Then, having touched the mouth and tongue of the babe with the fluid, give it to the mother to drink and be sure that she does drink it.

Before the bricks are built up about them both will sleep sound, never to wake again.' 'I will do it,' murmured the abbess; 'having absolution I will be bold, and do it for love and mercy's sake!' 'Your heart is too soft, sister.

Justice is mercy,' said the monk with a sigh.