D. J. Card. Mercier, Arch. de Malines.

Contents

Page
INTRODUCTION[3]
LETTER OF INTRODUCTION[5]
CHAP.I—The Boarding School[9]
CHAP.II—Daily School Life[17]
CHAP.III—The Parochial School, Convent and Garden[26]
CHAP.IV—The Cloister[38]
CHAP.V—The Approaching Storm[46]
CHAP.VI—Changes[51]
CHAP.VII—War[59]
CHAP.VIII—The Carnage of Battle[66]
CHAP.IX—The Return of the Army[80]
CHAP.X—Anxious Days[90]
CHAP.XI—The Flight of the Refugees[98]
CHAP.XII—The Results of War[109]
CHAP.XIII—Our Departure[116]
CHAP.XIV—Arrival in Antwerp[126]
CHAP.XV—Extracts from Letters of Our Refugee Sisters[134]
CHAP.XVI—The Exodus to England[142]
CHAP.XVII—London and Leeds[150]
CHAP.XVIII—The Refugees in England[157]
CHAP.XIX—Homeward Bound[174]

CHAPTER I.
Boarding School in the Couvent des
Filles de Marie, Willebroeck,
Prov. d’Anvers, Belgique,
July, 1914.

A merry group of Convent girls, in charge of Sister guardian, was seated in the shade of a huge old pear tree, discussing the joys and expectations of the approaching summer vacation. High are the walls enclosing this ancient cloister, and many are the gay young hearts protected and developed within its shady precincts.

Bright are the faces and happy the hearts of more than one hundred young girls on this midsummer day in the memorable year 1914. They are now enjoying the morning air in the playground, having just returned from their usual walk in the garden. The weather is somewhat oppressive; but as time is precious in boarding school, every one has something to do. One is crocheting; another is finishing a piece of Irish lace; still another is reviewing an article in a certain newspaper, as it is her task to make a summary for that evening’s meeting of the Study Circle.

Joy, unalloyed by the experience of care or sorrow, is written on the face of every child. It is only one week before the annual distribution of prizes, the subsequent close of the school year, and a speedy family reunion.

It is eight o’clock. The sign is given, and instantly a hundred busy-bodies become still and serious. Not another word is spoken as the preceptress conducts the long line through the large playroom, over the small yard, and into the various classrooms.