But the hymn ended, the voice was silent, and Sister
Paul's glance turned again towards the altar. The moment was passed and
Unorna was again what she had been before.
Then followed the canticle, the voice of the prioress in the versicles
after that, and the voices of the nuns, no longer singing, as they made
the responses; the Creed, a few more versicles and responses, the short,
final prayers, and all was over. From the church below came up the soft
sound that many women make when they move silently together. The nuns
were passing out in their appointed order.
Beatrice remained kneeling a few moments longer, crossed herself and
then rose. At the same moment Unorna was on her feet. The necessity
for immediate action at all costs restored the calm to her face and the
tactful skill to her actions. She reached the door first, and then, half
turning her head, stood aside, as though to give Beatrice precedence in
passing. Beatrice glanced at her face for the first time, and then by
a courteous movement of the head signified that Unorna should go out
first. Unorna appeared to hesitate, Beatrice to protest. Both women
smiled a little, and Unorna, with a gesture of submission, passed
through the doorway. She had managed it so well that it was almost
impossible to avoid speaking as they threaded the long corridors
together. Unorna allowed a moment to pass, as though to let her
companion understand the slight awkwardness of the situation, and then
addressed her in a tone of quiet and natural civility.
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