There was a sound of horse-hoofs on the road presently, and of talking that grew louder. The hoofs ceased; there was a sharp peal on the bell; and the talking began again.
Chris glanced across at his father; but the old man shook his head; and the three remained as they were, watching and listening. As the bell rang out again impatiently, the door behind opened, and the portress came swiftly through, followed by the Abbess.
"Come quickly," the old lady whispered. "Sister Susan is going to let them in."
She stood aside, and made a motion to them to come through, and a moment late the four were in the convent, and the door was shut behind them.
"They are Mr. Torridon's men," whispered the Abbess, her eyes round with excitement; "they are come to pack the things."
She led them on through the narrow passage, up a stone flight of stairs to the corridor that ran over the little cloister, and pushed open the door of a cell.
"Wait here," she said. "You can do no more. I will go down to them. You are in the enclosure, but I cannot help it."
And she had whisked out again, with an air of extraordinary composure, shutting the door behind her.
The three went across to the window, still speaking no word, and looked down.
The tiny court seemed half full of people now. There were three horses there, besides Ralph's own marked by its rich saddle, and still attached to the ring by the stable door, and a couple of men were busy loading one of them with bundles. From one of these, which was badly packed, a shimmering corner of gold cloth projected.
Ralph was standing by the door of the guest-house watching, and making a sign now and again with his whip. They could not see his face as he stood so directly below them, only his rich cap and feather, and his strong figure beneath. Mr. Morris was waiting now by his master's horse; the portress was by her door.
As they looked the little black and white figure of the Abbess came out beneath them, and stood by the portress.
The packing went on in silence. It was terrible to Mary to stand there and watch the dumb-show tragedy, the wrecking and robbing of this peaceful house; and yet there was nothing to be done. She knew that the issues were in stronger hands than hers; she glanced piteously at her father and brother on either side, but their faces were set and white, and they did not turn at her movement.