'Thanks to your wonderful nursing,' she added, with rather too much eagerness.

'I had hoped to tell you before now how grateful I am; but though I have been here more than once, you were never here when I came.' Sister Giovanna bent her head slightly.
'There is really nothing to thank me for,' she said.

'The novice said you wished to see me; can I be of any service to you ?' The elder woman inwardly resented the tone of superior calm.

She was now convinced that Sister Giovanna was no other than her niece Angela, though she had not yet given any direct sign of recognition.

She was not quite sure of being able to meet the young eyes steadily, and when she answered she fixed her own on the line where the veil was drawn tightly across the nun's forehead.