When he had finished speaking, the prioress stayed the slipping of her rosary between her fingers, and said to him:⁠—

“Could you procure a stout iron bar between now and this evening?”

“For what purpose?”

“To serve as a lever.”

“Yes, reverend Mother,” replied Fauchelevent.

The prioress, without adding a word, rose and entered the adjoining room, which was the hall of the chapter, and where the vocal mothers were probably assembled. Fauchelevent was left alone.

Mother Innocente

About a quarter of an hour elapsed. The prioress returned and seated herself once more on her chair.