A wonderful thing had happened on that afternoon, just before the White
Ladies set forth to the Cathedral.
All were assembling in the cloisters, when word arrived that the
Reverend Mother wished to speak, in her cell, with Sister Mary Antony.
Hastening thither she found the Reverend Mother standing, very white and silent, very calm and steadfast, looking out from the oriel window.
At first she did not turn; and Mary Antony stood waiting, just within the doorway.
Then she turned, and said: "Ah, dear Antony!" in tones which thrilled the heart of the old lay-sister.
"Come hither, Antony," she said; and even as she said it, moved to meet her.
A few simple instructions she gave, concerning matters in the Refectory and kitchen. Then said: "Now I must go. The nuns wait."
Then of a sudden she put her arms about the old lay-sister.
"Good-bye, my Antony," she said. "Thy love and devotion have been very precious to me. The Presence of the Lord abide with thee in blessing, while we are gone."
And, stooping, she kissed her gently on the brow; then passed from the cell.