“Thank God I am in time,” said Loïs, and bending her head in token of farewell, she went towards the door. Bob rose and followed her. But suddenly her strength seemed to fail her, and she staggered; Sister Marie Mercèdes was beside her.
“Lean on me,” she said gently, and placing her in a chair, she held some water to her lips. Loïs drank eagerly.
“Are you in want of food?” asked the Reverend Mother.
“We have travelled all day,” said Loïs faintly; and hardly knowing that she did so, she let her head rest on Sister Marie’s bosom. Once more the Reverend Mother rang her bell.
“See if there be some hot soup in the kitchen, and send Michel here,” she said to the serving sister. Then, going up to Loïs, she added, “We will do what we can for you, my child. What food we have you are welcome to, and I will send Michel to find out where your brother lodges. It is snowing fast; you cannot wander to and fro in the streets of Quebec to-night.”
An hour later, warmed and comforted, Loïs rose to depart. Michel was to conduct her to the address which Madame Péan had given.
“May I kiss you?” said Loïs, holding the young nun’s hand in hers; and not doubting what the answer would be, she kissed her in the old French-Canadian fashion, on both cheeks. “Farewell, Madame,” she said, turning towards the Reverend Mother.
“God bless thee, my daughter. It grieves my heart to send you forth on such a night; but you would not rest even if I sought to detain you, therefore go in peace. Michel will see you safely to your journey’s end!”
And so once more, with the snow whitening her black cloak and the Indian lad’s bearskin, and followed by Bob, Loïs went forth. Surely she was nearing the end!