“That of the white nuns of Gesù Bambino in via Merulana.”
“Who put such a strange idea into your head, Vittoria? Doesn’t it seem a little ridiculous to you?”
“It is neither ridiculous nor strange,” she added, shaking her head; “other ladies go there to retire and pray.”
“Old ladies, I suppose?”
“No,” she insisted coldly; “young ladies, and beautiful too; young married women especially.”
“Who are perhaps in mortal sin. Are you in mortal sin, though I didn’t know it, Vittoria?” he laughed loudly, looking at her.
“I hope not,” she replied, lowering her eyes to hide a sudden flash; “but so many people can be in mortal sin, prayers are necessary for us and them.”
“Even for me, dear nun!” he exclaimed mischievously.
“For you also,” she replied expressionlessly.
“When must you enter?”