and dandelions.

"I believe thee," she said, in a voice not over steady. "Rise from thy
knees. But, remember, I forbid thee to put aught into Mother
Sub-Prioress's broth, save things that soothe and comfort. Give me
thy word for this, Antony."

The old woman humbly lifted the hem of the Prioress's robe, and pressed
it to her lips.

"I promise, Reverend Mother," she said, "and I do repent me of my sin."

"Sit beside me," commanded the Prioress. "I have more to say to
thee. . . . Think not hard thoughts of the Sub-Prioress. She is
stern, and extreme to mark what is done amiss, but this she conceives
to be her duty. She is a most pious Lady. Her zeal is but a sign of
her piety."

Mary Antony's keen eyes, meeting those of the Prioress, twinkled.

Once again the Prioress took refuge in the posy. She was beginning to
have had enough of the scent of dandelions.

"Mother Sub-Prioress is sick," she said. "The cold struck her last
evening, after sunset, in the orchard. I have bidden her to keep her
bed awhile. We must tend her kindly, Antony, and help her back to
health again.

"Sister Mary Rebecca is also sick, with pains in her bones and slight
fever. She too keeps her bed to-day. Strive to feel kindly toward