"Gramercy!" said Frideswide.
Lady Idonia said nothing. She sat and watched the quiet, pale face, with its set lips, and the far-away look in the eyes which were gazing from the window.
"If you please, my Lord," repeated Agnes calmly. "That is my desire."
"And what in all this world hath moved thee to desire the same?"
"I have so done of some time," was the reply, in the same quiet tone.
"Lack-a-day, maid! How long time?"
A faint flush rose to the white brow, and dying away, left it whiter than ever. But she was spared an answer.
"Give the maid her way, Jack," said a voice hitherto silent. "She hath well spoken."
"Truly, fair Mother, but I thought it ill spoken," said Lord Marnell, in a puzzled tone, turning to face the Lady Idonia. "I never looked to see one of my little maids in cloister—not by my good-will."
"Then thou hadst best bring thy good-will thereto, Jack.—Frideswide and Annis, give us leave, dear hearts."