Book Excerpt for the Day

    "I intend," said Melicent, rather grandly because of the jolt the blunt question had given her, "to take the veil, and I would like it to be among the Benedictine sisters of Polesworth."

    "Sit down here beside me," said Sister Magdalen comfortably, "and tell me what has turned you to this withdrawal, and whether your family are in your confidence and approve your choice.  You are very young, and have the world before you..."

    "I am done with the world," said Melicent.

    "Child, as long as you live and breathe, you will not have done with this world.  We within the pale live in the same world as all poor souls without."

(from Dead Man's Ransom, by Ellis Peters)

8½*/10.  The full review is here.