"'Ah! it is you, my child,' the Mother Superior at length said, noticing the novice's presence; 'come hither.'"
"The latter advanced a few paces nearer."
"'Why did you go out this morning without asking my permission?'"
"On hearing these words, which the maiden, however, must have expected, she turned pale, and stammered a few unintelligible words."
"The abbess continued, in a stern voice:—"
"'Take care, Niña! although you are still a novice, and will not take the veil for several months, like all your companions, you are under my authority—mine alone.'"
"These words were spoken with an intonation which made the maiden tremble."
"'I Holy mother!' she murmured."
"'You were the intimate friend, almost the sister, of that young fool whom her resistance to our sovereign will snapped asunder like a reed, and who died this morning.'"
"'Do you really believe that she is dead, mother?' the girl answered timidly, and in a voice interrupted by grief."