I do not think I made any reply. I was holding my breath and watching intently. The men made a pretence of glancing round, but I could see they were looking at Mildred. Their looks seemed to say as plainly as words could speak:
"Is it she?"
Mildred hesitated for a moment, there was a dreadful silence and then—may the holy Virgin bless her!—she shook her head.
I could bear no more. I turned back to the window. The men, who had looked at each other with expressions of surprise, tried to talk together in ordinary tones as if on common place subjects.
"So there's nothing to do here, apparently."
"Apparently not."
"Let's go, then. Good day, Sister. Sorry to have troubled you."
I heard the door close behind them. I heard their low voices as they passed along the corridor. I heard their slow footsteps as they went down the stairs. And then, feeling as if my heart would burst, I turned to throw myself at Sister Mildred's feet.
But Sister Mildred was on her knees, with her face buried in my bed, praying fervently.