But I beseech you add not to your other sins that of violence against holy women." The men, abashed by the calm dignity of this young girl, abstained from laying hands upon her, but merely motioned to her to accompany them.

Upon their way they met the man who appeared to be their leader, and he, well pleased that the affair was over, led the way to the courtyard.
"Farewell, my child," the abbess exclaimed.

"God will deliver you from the power of these wicked men.

Trust in Him, and keep up your courage.
Wickedness will not be permitted to triumph upon the earth; and be assured that the matter shall be brought to the ears of the pope's legate, and of Prince John himself." She could say no more, for the men closing round the weeping girl, hurried her out from the convent.

A litter awaited them without, and in this the young lady was placed, and, borne upon the shoulders of four stout men, she started at a fast pace, surrounded closely by the rest of the band.
It was a dark night, and the girl could not see the direction in which she was being taken; but she judged from the turn taken upon leaving the convent, that it was towards Evesham.