Presently Ralph put a mark in the inventory against a “cope of gold bawdekin,” and requested that it might be brought.
The sister-sacristan rose at a word from the Abbess and went out, returning presently with the vestment. She unfolded the coverings and spread it out on the table before Ralph.
It was a magnificent piece of work, of shimmering gold, with orphreys embroidered with arms; and she stroked out its folds with obvious pride.
“These are Warham’s arms,” observed the Abbess. “You know them, Mr. Torridon? We worked these the month before his death.”
Ralph nodded briskly.
“Will you kindly leave it here, Reverend Mother,” he said. “I wish to see it again presently.”
The Abbess gave no hint of discomposure, but signed to the sacristan to place it over a chair at one side.
There were a couple of other things that Ralph presently caused to be fetched and laid aside—a precious mitre with a couple of cameos in front, and bordered with emeralds, and a censer with silver filigree work.
Then came a more difficult business.
“I wish to see the nuns one by one, Reverend Mother,” he said. “I must ask you to withdraw.”