For I, too, was curious concerning this nunnery and its inmates; and was minded to turn Catholic too for occasion, and see if, amongst the ladies, might appear the stately form of her whose fate had been so oddly woven with mine own.
But ill fortune attended me.

For early as I was, matins had been sung an hour ago; nor was there another service till noon, and that only for the sisters.

I must wait till evensong, to satisfy myself, and, with much misgiving at the delay, dragged myself back to the "Oriflame." Just as I turned off from the Dover road, there passed me in haste two men habited as priests, travel-stained, as coming off a long journey, yet apparently familiar enough with the path which led to the friendly shelter of the convent.

I saw neither of their faces, for both were bent over the books they read; but I marked that one of them was tall and lean, while the other, who walked with more of a swagger, was shorter and better fed.

I doubt if either of them saw me.