22/23 "It is useless, Cuthbert; I have tried them all. I have knelt to them, implored them, but their hearts are hard as flints. They will not disobey the abbot's cruel injunctions, though he be their superior no longer. But I shall be avenged upon him--terribly avenged." "Leave meh, theaw wicked woman." cried Ashbead; "ey dunna wish to ha' thee near meh. |