"It doesn't matter. Dr. Watson, the missionary who died, was a Protestant and it made no difference. He was all that was most charming to us. We owe him a deep debt of gratitude."
Now the flicker of a smile passed over Kitty's face, but she did not say anything. The Mother Superior seemed to reflect. She rose to her feet.
"It is very good of you. I think I can find something for you to do. It is true that now Sister St. Francis has been taken from us, it is impossible for us to cope with the work. When will you be ready to start?"
"Now."
"À la bonne heure. I am content to hear you say that."
"I promise you I will do my best. I am very grateful to you for the opportunity that you are giving me."
The Mother Superior opened the parlour door, but as she was going out she hesitated. Once more she gave Kitty a long, searching and sagacious look. Then she laid her hand gently on her arm.
"You know, my dear child, that one cannot find peace in work or in pleasure, in the world or in a convent, but only in one's soul."
Kitty gave a little start, but the Mother Superior passed swiftly out.