Her deep voice, however, was as well under control as ever, although strong emotion underlay its vibrant quality.
"My little Sister, you have a big sacrifice before you. I cannot pretend to think that it will not cost you dear, as it will me. But we know Who asks it of us."
"What?" gasped Alex again, utterly at a loss, but feeling the blood ebb from her face.
"Our Mother-General has appointed me as Superior to the new house in South America. The boat sails at the end of this week."
XX
Aftermath
Alex could not believe the extent of the calamity that had befallen her, nor did she realize at first that the very mainspring of her life in the convent was attacked.
It astounded her to perceive that to the rest of the community the news brought no overwhelming shock.
Such sudden uprootings and transfers were not uncommon, and the notice given was generally a twenty-four hour one. Mother Gertrude had nearly a week in which to make her few preparations for an exile that almost certainly was for life, and to prepare herself as far as possible for new and heavy responsibilities.