Ralph was silent; he thought he would at least leave the old lady in peace for this last night. She seemed to want no answer; but went on expatiating on the horrors that were happening round them, the wicked accusations brought against the Religious, and the Divine vengeance that would surely fall on those who were responsible.
Finally she turned and questioned him, with a mingling of deference and dignity.
“What do you wish from us, Mr. Torridon? You must tell me, that I may see that everything is in order.”
Ralph was secretly amused by her air of innocent assurance.
“That is my business, Reverend Mother. I must ask for all the books of the house, with the account of any sales you may have effected, properly recorded. I must have a list of the inmates of the house, with a statement of any corrodies attached; and the names and ages and dates of profession of all the Religious.”
The Abbess blinked for a moment.
“Yes, Mr. Torridon. You will allow me of course to see all your papers to-morrow; it is necessary for me to be certified that all your part is in order.”
Ralph smiled a little grimly.
“You shall see all that,” he said. “And then there is more that I must ask; but that will do for a beginning. When I have shown you my papers you will see what it is that I want.”
There was a peal at the bell outside; the Abbess turned her head and waited till there was a noise of bolts and unlocking.