Out of the Past — page 19: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

16 Out of the Past. “Are you sure there are no papers to suggest her identity or any connection with other persons?” “There is absolutely nothing. I have searched through waste paper and all. Her linen is marked with the letters Aca.” Coming at last again to the silent room, they brought out the basket and set it between them, talking low as they watched the breathing of the tiny being, until their absorption was broken by the tolling of the vesper bell from the chapel tower on the hill. They knelt where they were, and Benedict softly intoned the prayer. All was prepared for the nun’s departure with the child. At the door she turned impulsively to the monk. “Let me examine the mother’s rings—there may be some mark.”’ Benedict answered by bringing them to her, and they read engraved within one of them, “R. W. to Amy Dins- more. May toth, 1876.” “A year and three months ago,” said the Sister, mus- ingly. “It may have been the ring of betrothal. God be with you.” “And with you,” returned Benedict. “Send word to the Superior of what has happened.” She nodded, pass- ing quickly up the passage with her muffled burden, GoOmicsooks (E(@)