She felt certain that her prayer would be heard and granted.
There was the slightest possible movement beside her, and turning sharply, she saw the tall figure of a woman wearing the habit of the Order, standing over her.
She had not known that this nun was in the chapel.
The tall, commanding presence bent and knelt down on the ground beside her, with a deep inclination of her head towards the High Altar.
"Forgive me for disturbing you, but when you are quite ready to come away, will you come and speak to me for a moment or two before you go?" She paused for a second, but Alex was too much surprised to reply.
"Don't hurry. I shall wait for you outside."
The nun rose slowly, laying her hand for an instant on Alex' shoulder, and moved soundlessly away.
Alex looked at her watch, and was surprised by the lateness of the hour.
She drew down her veil, and gathered up the long, fashionable skirt of her dress, preparatory to leaving the chapel.
In the little lobby outside she looked round curiously. On the instant, some one moved forward out of a shadowy corner.