'She wished to spare us all, but that was not allowed. I was written to, and told that her strong desire was such a favourable condition, that I had better consent, so as not to protract the strain of spirits. She made a point of no one else knowing except Clement.'
'Ah!' Wilmet spoke as if under a weight, 'that was the day Clement went down to Dearport, and came home so late! How could Sister Constance consent not to tell me?'
'You must forgive her, for it was the little one's desire. Of course we should have been fetched if anything had gone wrong; but she has done perfectly well; and there she is, very happy, and so full of fun, that the Sisters say she keeps them all alive.'
'Done? I cannot fancy it!' said Wilmet. 'Do you know, I believe it has been my bugbear for years past to think I might have to persuade her to this?'
'To tell you the truth, so it has to me.'
'Little nervous timid thing, I can't even understand her thinking of it!'
'She wanted me not to tell you, but I would not promise. She could not rest without trying not to be an obstacle to—'
Wilmet interrupted with a cry of pain.
'Isn't it a noble little thing?'
'But it is so silly!' broke out Wilmet, not choosing her words amid her tears.