A moment later a novice opened the door that led to the wards, and the visitor repeated her request, without mentioning her name.
The novice bowed and disappeared, and several minutes passed before Sister Giovanna came.

She had last seen her aunt ill in bed and flushed with fever, but the Princess had changed too little in five years not to be instantly recognised by any one who had known her so recently.
Both women made a movement of surprise, and the nun stood still an instant, still holding the handle of the door.

Of the two, however, she was the first to regain her composure.

Her aunt rose with alacrity indeed, and held out her hand, but she coloured a little and laughed with perceptible awkwardness.

She had long wished to see her niece, but the meeting had come too unexpectedly to be pleasant.
'I hope you have felt no ill effects from your illness ?' Sister Giovanna spoke calmly, in a tone of civil inquiry.
'Oh, none at all!' answered the Princess.