"Naturally," said the Bishop, "there will be a certain delay while suitable clothes are being made for her, but I have no doubt you will give Mr. O'Neill your help in these preparations."
My head was down, and I did not see if the Reverend Mother bowed again. But the two gentlemen, apparently satisfied with her silence, began to talk of the best date for my removal, and just when I was quivering with fear that without a word of protest I was to be taken away, the Reverend Mother said:
"Monsignor!"
"Reverend Mother!"
"You are aware that this child"—here she patted my trembling hand—"has been with me for ten years?"
"I am given to understand so."
"And that during that time she has only once been home?"
"I was not aware—but no doubt it is as you say."
"In short, that during the greater part of her life she has been left to my undivided care?"
"You have been very good to her, very, and I'm sure her family are extremely grateful."