"It is the same—an Englishman or a Scotchman," said the nun.
"Pardon me, Madam, we consider that there is a great difference. The Scotch are chiefly Celts. Englishmen are Anglo-Saxons."
"But you are all Protestants. It is therefore the same for us."
Dalrymple feared a discussion of the question of religion. He did not answer the nun's last remark, but bowed politely. She, of course, could not see the inclination he made.
"You say nothing," she said presently. "Are you a Protestant?"
"Yes, Madam."
"It is a pity!" said Maria Addolorata. "May God send you light."
"Thank you, Madam."
Maria Addolorata smiled under her veil at the polite simplicity of the reply. She had met Englishmen in Rome.
"It is no longer customary to address us as 'Madam,'" she answered, a moment later. "It is more usual to speak to us as 'Sister' or 'Reverend Sister'—or 'Sister Maria.' I am Sister Maria Addolorata. But you know it, for you sent your message to me."