The Abbess of Crewe

by Muriel Spark

But modern times come into a historical context, and as far as I’m concerned history doesn’t work. Here, in the Abbey of Crewe, we have discarded history. We have entered the sphere, dear Sisters, of mythology. My nuns love it. Who doesn’t yearn to be part of a myth at whatever the price in comfort? The monastic system is in revolt throughout the rest of the world, thanks to historical development. Here, within the ambience of mythology, we have consummate satisfaction, we have peace.’

‘This is a sad hour for England in these, the days of her decline. All this public uproar over a silver thimble, mounting as it has over the months. Such a scandal could never arise in the United States of America. They have a sense of proportion and they understand Human Nature over there; it’s the secret of their success. A realistic race, even if they do eat asparagus the wrong way. However,

‘That isn’t a problem,’ says Gertrude. ‘It’s a paradox.’ ‘Have you time for a very short seminar, Gertrude, on how one treats of a paradox?’ ‘A paradox you live with,’ says Gertrude, and hangs up.

‘If you believe your own ears more than you believe us, Winifrede,’ says Alexandra, ‘then perhaps it is time for us to part. It may be you have lost your religious vocation, and we shall all

quite understand if you decide to return to the world quietly, before the election.’ Dawn breaks for

‘Appeal to their lower instincts,’ Gertrude says, ‘within the walls of the convent. It’s only when exhorting the strangers outside that one appeals to the higher.