He raised his hand in silent benediction, while the Sister bowed her head stiffly. Then, as if loath to take his eyes from the girl, he turned and went slowly out.
“Come,” said the woman sharply. Carmen followed her out into the hall and down a flight of steps to the kitchen below.
“Katherine,” said the Sister Superior, addressing an elderly, white-haired Sister who seemed to be in charge of the culinary department, “put this girl to work. Let her eat with you and sleep in your room. And see if you can’t work some of the foolish notions out of her head.”
CHAPTER 3
“Get some o’ th’ foolish notions out of your head, is it? Och, puir bairn, wid yer swate face an’ that hivenly hair, it’s welcome ye air to yer notions! But, hist! Ye have talked too brash to the Sister Superior. Ye air that innocent, puir thing! But, mind your tongue, honey. Tell your funny notions to old Katie, an’ they’ll be safe as the soul of Saint Patrick; but keep mum before the others, honey.”
“But, Señora, don’t they want to know the truth up here?” There was a note of appeal in the quavering voice.
“Now listen, honey; don’t call me sich heathen names. Call me Sister. I’m no Señora, whativer that may be. And as for wantin’ to know the truth, God bless ye, honey! th’ good Fathers know it all now.”