10

The nun opened the letter and handed it to the girl.

It was in the familiar hand. Sending forth the extraordinary fragrance, it quite dizzied the more forward of the nuns, who made sure that they had a glimpse of it.

“Out of deference to the bishop, I shall excuse the rash step you have taken. Of that I shall speak no further. For my own part, I am seized with so intense a longing to speak to you of those nightmarish events that I can scarcely myself accept it as real. I cannot imagine how it might seem to others.”

As if unable to find adequate words, he continued with a poem:

“I lost my way in the hills, having taken a road

That would lead, I hope, to a teacher of the Law.

“Have you forgotten this boy? I keep him here beside me in memory of one who disappeared.”

It was friendly, even ardent. She could not pretend, such was the clarity of the detail, that it was meant for someone else. She dreaded a visit, perhaps unannounced. She did not want him to see her drab robes and her cropped hair. The uncertainty too much for her, she collapsed in tears. The nun gazed at her helplessly. What a silly child she was!

“And may I have your answer?”

“Let me collect myself just a little, please, if you don't mind. I try to remember but I cannot. It is all like a strange, frightening dream. I think possibly I may be able to understand when I have calmed myself a little. Send it back, please, today at least. There may have been a mistake.” Not even refolding the letter, she pushed it towards the nun.

“You are being rude, my dear, nothing else, and if you persist in your rudeness we too will be held responsible.”

The girl was trembling violently and wished to hear no more. She lay with her face buried in her sleeves.