St. Basil relates that in a female convent at Tabennes, in Egypt, one of the sisters was treated by all the rest as the fool of the convent, and made to wash up the dishes and do the humblest menial work. And to crown the contempt shown towards her, she was made to wear a turban of patchwork and a dress of rags. She was never seen to sit at table and join in meals. Yet she never complained nor uttered a reproach. A holy man named Pyoterus lived not far from the convent, and one night an angel appeared and bade him go and visit a sister in the convent who wore a turban as a headdress. "That sister," said the angel, "is holier than thou art. Though always in tribulation both night and day, she is always mindful of God, and never troubled in mind, as you are." Pyoterus went to the convent and asked to see the sisters. All were brought and presented to him. But he said, "One is still missing." "Nay, holy father," said the abbess, "all are here, except the poor scullion, who is a fool." "Let me see her," said the hermit. Then Isidora was brought; whereupon Pyoterus fell at her feet and exclaimed, "Bless me, my sister, beloved of the Lord." The four hundred sisters were astounded at this spectacle; but Pyoterus said to them, "Pray that you may find as much favour in the day of judgment as this despised one. I tell you the Lord hath said you think yourselves wise, but it would be well if you were as wise as this fool." So saying, he left the convent. The treatment afterwards bestowed on Isidora caused her to leave the convent altogether. THE NUNS AND LAY BROTHERS AT SEMPRINGHAM (A.D. 1139).