Godric’s Ford,” he said, “is coming to Shrewsburyin two days’ time, to fetch away Brother Edmund’sniece, who wants to join the sisterhood there. As for thegirl’s motives, I know nothing of them, but if SisterMagdalen is accepting her as a novice it must be from conviction,and moreover, the child will be carefully watched, and get nofurther than her novitiate unless Magdalen is satisfied of hervocation. Will you speak with her about this? I think you alreadyknow something of her.”

“I do.” Judith’s voice was soft, and yet therewas a shade of quiet amusement in the tone. “Her own motives,I think, when she entered Godric’s Ford, were scarcely whatyou are demanding.”

That was something he could not well deny. Sister Magdalen hadformerly been, for many years, the constant mistress of a certainnobleman, and on his death had looked about her with single-mindedresolution for another field in which to employ her undoubtedtalents. No question but the choice of the cloister had been coollyand practically made. What redeemed it was the vigour and loyaltyshe had devoted to it since the day of her entry, and wouldmaintain, without question, until the day of her death.

“In no way that I know of,” admitted Cadfael,“is Sister Magdalen anything but unique. You are right, sheentered the cell seeking not a vocation, but a career, and a careershe is making, and a notable one, too. Mother Mariana is old andbedridden now; the weight of the cell falls all on Magdalen, and Iknow no shoulders better fitted to carry it. And I do not think shewould say to you, as I said, that there is but one good reason fortaking the veil, true longing for the life of the spirit. The morereason you could and should listen to her advice and weigh itcarefully, before you take so grave a step. And bear in mind, youare young, she had said goodbye to her prime.”

“And I have buried mine,” said Judith very firmly,and as one stating truth, without self-pity.