Despite the torture of it all, John could not help smiling. If he had been armed with a knout, his reception could not have been more hostile.
“I must beg of you to believe,” said he, “that I come as a friend and not as an enemy.”
She pointed to a straight-backed chair.
“Will you be seated?”
“It is only human,” said he, “to call and see you, and ask after that unhappy child.”
“She is getting on,” said the Sister superintendent, frostily, “as well as can be expected.”
“Which means? Please tell me. I am here to know.”
“She will take some time to recover from her injuries, and of course her nerve is broken.”
“I'm afraid,” said John, “your institution can't afford many invalid's luxuries.”
“None at all,” replied the weary-faced woman. “She gets proper care and attention, however.”