The young Sister saw, but guessed nothing of the truth.
'The happiest hours in your life!' She repeated the words with wonder.
'Yes,' said the elder woman slowly, 'the happiest by far! Since you have been here, you have never given me one bad moment, by word or deed, excepting by the pain you yourself have had to bear.

If you go away, and if I should not live long, remember what I have told you, for if you have some affection for me, it will comfort you to think that you have made me very, very happy for five long years.' 'I am glad, though I have done nothing but my duty, and barely that.

I cannot see how I deserve such praise, but if I have satisfied you, I am most glad.

You have been a mother to me.' Slowly the transfigured face turned to her at last, full of radiance.
'Do you mean it just as you say it, my dear ?' 'Indeed, indeed, I do!' Sister Giovanna answered, wondering more and more, but in true earnest.
The dark eyes gazed on her steadily for a long time, with an expression she had never seen in human eyes before.

Then the truth came, soft and low.
'I am your mother.' 'You are a mother to us all,' the young Sister answered.
'I am your mother, dear, your own mother that bore you--you, my only child.