Chapter IX
THE CITY OF SISTERS
Philippe approached the great Convent of Ghent. This convent is different from most convents. It is like a little village where each sister has her own cosy house. These sisters have given up the life of the world. They live their own lives in this City of Sisters. They spend their time making beautiful laces, doing charity work and going to church.
Philippe had heard of the convent in Ghent. He had seen some of the sisters in Brussels at times. He knew they were kind and he determined to enter one of their homes and ask for food.
At the gate of the convent, Philippe met an elderly sister. She wore a long black gown and a snow-white cap. Her face was ruddy and wrinkled. She smiled at Philippe and stopped.
"You look tired, little one," she said.
Philippe answered, "I have walked many miles. I am hungry."
The sister then led him into her wee house. It looked like a gingerbread house. It was like all the other houses at the convent. It was made of brick.
"Come, let me give you some broth," said the sister kindly.