Page:The silent prince - a story of the Netherlands (IA cu31924008716957).pdf/237

 viary. I trust that by that time your mind will have become tranquillized, and that thoughts of the ceremonies of the morrow will bring you only joy and peace, Farewell.”

Fully confident in his power over the novice, and never doubting but what she was thoroughly grounded in her desire to take the veil, the Superior departed. Had his sensibilities not been dulled, he would quickly have noted that the calmness of his charge was forced.

Until eight o'clock in the evening Katharine revolved in her mind the chances of escape. She was fully resolved to leave these hateful walls that very night, and to seek shelter elsewhere. Never would she willingly submit to the life which Father Ryder had so graphically described. She fell upon her knees and besought God to avert the impending danger and to aid her escape.

She repaired to the chapel at the time appointed. It was the hour for quiet meditation in the convent, and the halls were deserted. As Katharine knelt before the altar, she felt a soft touch on her shoulder. Looking up she saw the impassive face of the portress. Over her arm she carried a peasant’s coarse cape and rough hood.

“Rise, child,” she said kindly. “I listened to your prayers for deliverance this afternoon. I saw your tears of distress, and I pitied you. I would save you from the fate which has been mine. The