He scarcely consented to give
time for communication with the Countess, to consider how to dispose
of the poor child.
The Prioress sent messengers to Amesbury and to Christ Church, but
the Earl and Countess were not there, nor was it clear where they
were likely to be. Whitburn was too far off to send to in the time
allowed by the Proctor, and Grisell had heard nothing from her home
all the time she had been at Wilton. The only thing that the
Prioress could devise, was to request the Chaplain to seek her out at
Salisbury a trustworthy escort, pilgrim, merchant or other, with whom
Grisell might safely travel to London, and if the Earl and Countess
were not there, some responsible person of theirs, or of their son's,
was sure to be found, who would send the maiden on.
The Chaplain mounted his mule and rode over to Salisbury, whence he
returned, bringing with him news of a merchant's wife who was about
to go on pilgrimage to fulfil a vow at Walsingham, and would feel
herself honoured by acting as the convoy of the Lady Grisell Dacre as
far at least as London.
There was no further hope of delay or failure. Poor Grisell must be
cast out on the world--the Proctor even spoke of calling the
Countess, or her steward, to account for her maintenance during these
five years.
There was weeping and wailing in the cloisters at the parting, and
Grisell clung to Sister Avice, mourning for her peaceful, holy life.
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