The Bell (Twentieth-Century Classics)

A lay community of thorough mixed-up people is encamped outside Imber Abbey, home of an enclosed order of nuns. A new bell is being installed when the old bell, a legendary symbol of religion and magic, is rediscovered. Dora Greenfield, erring wife, returns to her husband, Paul, who is working on some fourteenth-century manuscripts that belong to the convent. Michael Meade, leader of the community, is confronted by a man with whom he once had a disastrous affair, while the wise old Abbess watches and prays and exercises discreet authority. Everyone - or almost everyone - hopes to be saved - whatever that may mean.