Mother Superior pulled the cord that rang the bell over the door of her study. Sister Jane appeared almost immediately.

"Bring Sister Monica here at once," the old nun commanded.

Sister Jane curtsied extravagantly. "Yes, Mother Superior."

"She's a troublesome one indeed," the bishop observed, as soon as the plump nun had left. "That rebellious nature should have been thrashed out of her by now."

"I have personally flogged that young woman's hindquarters redder than the fires of Hell, on countless occasions," Mother Superior protested. "She seems to enjoy it."

"She's obviously a masochist," Father Simon suggested. "It's common amongst members of closed religious orders."

The old nun frowned. "I don't quite understand what you mean, Father."

"What I mean is, Sister Jane derives a certain kind of pleasure from being physically chastised. She continues to misbehave, because she wants to be punished."

"It may indeed be a sexual perversion," the bishop mused. "Women are prone to such peculiarities."

"Perhaps I could take her in hand," Father Simon suggested.

"I couldn't possibly permit that," Mother Superior objected. "Sister Jane is far too coarse and common for a man of your undoubtedly refined tastes. You must take your pick of the finest fare on the menu, not the leftovers. Isn't that correct, your Grace?"

"Father Simon is free to decide for himself," Bishop Colbert replied. "If that fat-arsed heifer of a nun takes his fancy, then so be it."

"Sister Jane takes my fancy in no uncertain fashion," the priest declared, crossing his legs. "With your permission, Mother Superior, I should like to spend some time alone with her."

"You have my permission and my blessing," she replied. "Though I cannot for an instant fathom what attracts you to her."

Their conversation was interrupted by a knock on the door. Mother Superior called "enter" and Sister Jane reappeared, accompanied by a nervous and strikingly beautiful younger nun.

"Sister Monica, as requested for your pleasure," the plump nun announced.

Mother Superior glowered as she rose to her feet.

"Ah, my dear Sister Monica." The bishop grinned, like a waking bear welcoming an unsuspecting visitor to his cave. "I have been so looking forward to making your acquaintance."

The shy young nun knelt to kiss the preferred Episcopal ring.

Father Simon arose from his chair.

"Is there somewhere private where Sister Jane and I might conduct our business?" he asked.

"Me!" the plump nun cried. "What business?"

"Still your tongue and follow me, you stupid girl," Mother Superior barked.

She formed a smile before turning to the bishop. "If you'll excuse us, your Grace. Sister Monica will attend to your needs."

"You leave this precious flower in safe hands," he answered.

Mother Superior pulled the door of her study firmly shut, then escorted Father Simon and the bemused Sister Jane upstairs, to one of several bedrooms reserved for what Mother Superior deemed "activities of a certain nature".

"I hereby entrust you to the care of Father Simon," she declared. "If you give him any trouble, you will answer to me."

The nun smiled. "He'll have no trouble with me, Mother Superior. I know what to do."