"Oh, mother!" joyfully exclaimed Salome, as soon as they were left alone, "he comes by the midday express! It is midday now! The train has already left Paris! He is speeding toward us, even now, as fast as steam can bring him. I can almost see and hear and feel him coming!"
"Calm your transports, dear daughter; think of the dying sinner so near us, even now," gravely replied the elder lady.
"I can think of nothing but my living husband," exclaimed the young wife.
"Oh, these young hearts! these young hearts! 'From all inordinate and sinful affections, good Lord, deliver us!'" prayed the abbess.
She had scarcely spoken, when the door opened and Sister Francoise entered the room.
"I came with a message from the portress, good mother. She says that a young woman has come from L'Ange, who claims to be the wife of the wounded man, and insists upon being admitted to see him. The portress does not know what to do, and has sent me to you for instructions," said Sister Francoise.
"The wounded man is sleeping and must not be awakened. Tell the portress to keep the young woman in the parlor until she can be permitted to see the patient, then do you go to the Old Men's Home, inquire for Monsieur le Doctor Dubourg, and announce to him the arrival of this woman, and let him use his medical discretion about admitting her. Go."
"Yes, holy mother," said Sister Francoise, retreating.
"You have not had a moment's peace since this unhappy man has been in the house," said Salome, compassionately.
"No," smiled the lady. "Of course not, but it cannot be helped. We must bear one another's burdens."