"What does all this mean?" Louise said to the Reverend Mother, drawing her aside. "The birds, the birds, Mother Superior, the birds!"
"What birds?"
"The birds singing the motives of 'The Ring.'"
"You mean Teresa's bullfinches, Mademoiselle Helbrun? Yes, they whistle very well."
"But they whistle the motives of 'The Ring!'"
"Ah! she taught them."
"Is that all? I thought she and I were mad. You'll excuse me, Mother
Superior? May I ask her about them?"
"Of course, Mademoiselle Helbrun, you can." And Louise walked on in front with Evelyn.
"Mother Superior tells me you have taught bullfinches the motives of
'The Ring,' is it true?"
"Of course. How could they have learned the motives unless from me?"