"I do not desire to hinder you," answered the lady-superior.
Their conversation was interrupted by the entrance of Sister Francoise, who pale and agitated, sank upon the nearest seat, and sat trembling and speechless, until the abbess exclaimed:
"For the love of Heaven, Sister Francoise, tell us what has happened. Who is ill? Who is dead?"
"Helas! holy mother!" gasped the nun, losing her breath again immediately.
Salome drew a small phial of sal volatile from her pocket and uncorked and applied it to the nose of the fainting nun, saying soothingly:
"Now tell us what has overcome you, good sister."
"Ah, my child! It is dreadful! It is terrible! It is horrible! It is awful! But they are bringing him in!" gasped Sister Francoise, snuffing vigorously at the sal volatile, and still beside herself with excitement.
"What! What! Who are they bringing in?" demanded the abbess, in alarm.
"I'm going to tell you! Oh, give me time! It is stupefying! It is annihilating! The poor gentleman who has just shot himself through the body!" gasped Sister Francoise, losing her breath again after this effort.
"A gentleman shot himself!" echoed Salome, in consternation.