My Lady studied it closely.
“It must have healed quick,” said she, “for I see never a scratch upon it.”
“Oh, then it is that,” quoth Sister Philippa, holding forth the second finder.
“I rather think, Sister, it is the other hand,” said my Lady. “Let me look at that.”
As my Lady was holding Sister Philippa’s left hand, she had no chance to pass her hidden treasure into it. She held forth her right hand—full unwillingly, as I saw—and something rustled down her gown and dropped with a flop at her feet.
“Pick that up, Sister Annora,” said my Lady.
I obeyed, and unfolding a German coverchief, found therein a flampoynt and three placentae (a pork pie and three cheesecakes).
“What were you going to do with these?” said my Lady.
“It’s always my luck!” cried Sister Philippa. “Nothing ever prospers if I do it. Saint Elizabeth’s loaves turned into roses, but no saint that liveth ever wrought a miracle for me.”
“It is quite as well, Sister, that evil deeds should not prosper,” was my Lady’s answer. “Saint Elizabeth was carrying loaves to feed the poor. Was that your object? If so, you shall be forgiven; but next time, ask leave first.”