The Mother could be swift when there was need, and she was downstairs and at the well almost as soon as the two men could get there, walking slowly with their burden.

Exerting a strength that amazed them, she took the young nun into her arms and sat down with her, and laid the drooping head tenderly to her heart.

Her own face was as still and white as marble, but neither Giovanni nor Pieri saw her eyes.
'You may go,' she said.

'I will take care of her.' In the presence of the strange officer she would not ask the Doctor what had happened.
'She fainted suddenly,' he said.
'Yes.

I understand.