"You do not look very strong. When you did us the pleasure of coming to see us the day before yesterday it seemed to me that you were very pale. Sister St. Joseph thought that perhaps you were going to have a baby."
"No, no," cried Kitty, flushing to the roots of her hair.
The Mother Superior gave a little, silvery laugh.
"It is nothing to be ashamed of, my dear child, nor is there anything improbable in the supposition. How long have you been married?"
"I am pale because I am naturally pale, but I am very strong, and I promise you I am not afraid of work."
Now the Superior was complete mistress of herself. She assumed unconsciously the air of authority which was habitual to her and she held Kitty in an appraising scrutiny. Kitty felt unaccountably nervous.
"Can you speak Chinese?"
"I'm afraid not," answered Kitty.
"Ah, that is a pity. I could have put you in charge of the elder girls. It is very difficult just now, and I am afraid they will get—what do you call? Out of hand?" she concluded with a tentative sound.
"Could I not be of help to the Sisters in nursing? I am not at all afraid of the cholera. I could nurse the girls or the soldiers."