"Since you have resigned the house, madam, there is no need to enter into that matter," said Dr. Willard, repressing his colleague, who was about to speak. "For myself, I do not believe these tales to be any thing but the outcome of private malice and revenge, and dictated by the meanest motive." It was now Sister Perpetua's turn to redden. "You go too far, Dr. Willard," said Mr. Lethbridge. "Remember, sir, that I am joined with you in this commission." "I am not likely to forget what is due either to you or myself," said Doctor Willard, calmly. "Madam, we will now excuse your attendance upon what must needs be painful to you. You can keep possession of your own apartments and those of the ladies, only they must be searched to see that no treasure is concealed, as has been the case in other places." He bowed, as if in dismissal, and we left the choir in our order of procession for the last time. What a day that was. The prioress bade all those who still acknowledged her authority, which were all but three or four, to gather together such little matters as they were allowed to carry away with them, and then to resort to the community room, where they were to occupy themselves in reading and prayer, and such needlework as was necessary. She warned us against concealing any thing of value, as it would only bring us and herself into trouble. Our little packets were soon made up, and we gathered together, a sad and sorrowing family. Only Sister Perpetua, and one or two like her, openly threw off all allegiance, put on, at the first possible minute, the secular dresses provided, and went roaming all about the place, talking with the comers and goers who were now profaning our sacred inclosure. For, finding the great gates open, which they had always seen locked and barred, the people of the neighboring hamlet, and from the village of Dartford, were ready enough to gratify their curiosity, as perhaps was only natural. Some were kind and feeling; others openly jeered at our misfortunes, and rejoiced at our downfall; and among these last were several mendicants, who had had their living from our daily doles. In truth, this daily almsgiving at the gates of these religious houses, brought any thing but respectable people about them. "Yes, give us the broken pieces and the old clothes, while you eat white bread and drink wine, will you?" mumbled one old woman, for whom I had myself made a new flannel petticoat and serge kirtle only a week before. "We shall see who will have the old clothes and the broken bits now."