'Sister Maria——' he said very gently.
'Now and for ever,' the feeble voice said hurriedly, hearing a man's voice.
'Has your niece had a fright?'
Silence on the other side.
'Did she tell you of anything disagreeable that had happened to her?'
'Yes, yes!' the voice breathed out, trembling.
'Can you tell me what it was about?'
'No, no!' she went on quickly, still trembling. 'Something very sad ... I can't tell you.'
'Very well—thank you,' he whispered, getting up again.
'How is she? Are you giving her anything?' the Sister's voice asked.