"How many peas were left in your wallet, Sister Antony ?"
"Five," chuckled Mary Antony.
"Why did you shew six to the Reverend Mother?"
"To set her mind at rest," whispered the old lay-sister.
"To cause her to think that you had heard naught, seen naught, and knew naught?"
Mary Antony nodded, chuckling again.
"Faithful old heart!" said the Bishop. "What gave thee this thought?"
"Our blessèd Lady, in answer to her petition, sharpened the wits of old
Antony."
The Bishop sighed. "May our blessèd Lady keep them sharp," he murmured, half aloud.
"Amen," said Mary Antony with fervour.