"We hear strange tales of it sometimes, though we know also that you do great works of charity.
But we hear strange tales and strange words." "Do you ?" Unorna suppressed a smile of scorn.

"What do people say of me?
I never asked." "Strange things, strange things," repeated the nun with a shake of the head.
"What are they?
Tell me one of them, as an instance." "I should fear to offend you--indeed I am sure I should, though we were good friends once." "And are still.

The more reason why you should tell me what is said.

Of course I am alone in the world, and people will always tell vile tales of women who have no one to protect them." "No, no," Sister Paul hastened to assure her.

"As a woman, no word has reached us that touches your fair name.