was a pleasant one. Among the sisters who aspired to
the vacant office was a certain Eleanor Carey, a near
connection of Anne, and a favourite with her. The
appointment rested virtually with the Crown. The
Lady Anne spoke to the King. The King deputed
Wolsey to inquire into the fitness of the various can-
didates, with a favourable recommendation of Eleanor
Carey's claims. The inquiry was made, and the result
gives us a glimpse into the habits of the devout re-
cluses in these sacred institutions. ¹

"As for the matter of Wilton," wrote Henry to
Anne, "my Lord Cardinal here had the nuns before
him, and examined them in the presence of Master
Bell, who assures me that she whom we would have
had Abbess has confessed herself to have had two chil-
dren by two different priests, and has since been kept
not long ago by a servant of Lord Broke that was.
Wherefore I would not for all the gold in the world
clog your conscience nor mine, to make her ruler of a
house which is of so ungodly demeanour, nor I trust
you would not that, neither for brother nor sister, ² I
should so distain mine honour or conscience. And as
touching the Prioress [ Isa Bella Jordan] or Dame Elea-
nor's elder sister, though there is not any evident
cause proved against them, and the Prioress is so old
that of many years she could not be as she was named,
yet notwithstanding, to do you pleasure I have done
that neither of them shall have it, but that some other
good and well-disposed woman shall have it, whereby
the house shall be better reformed, whereof I assure
you it hath much need, and God much the better
served."

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