In the shaded light of the ward no one noticed her agonised face.
Presently she was able to ask where the officer was, and the Sister who had brought the news announced that he was in Number Two.

It was Giovanni now, and not his brother, the unhappy woman was sure of that, and every instinct in her nature bade her go to him at once.

But the unconscious volition of those long trained to duty is stronger than almost any impulse except that of downright fear, and Sister Giovanna stayed where she was, for there was still much to be done.
About half-an-hour later the Mother Superior entered the ward and found her and led her quietly out.

When they were alone together, the elder woman told her the truth.
'Giovanni Severi has been brought here from Monteverde,' she said.
'His right arm is so badly crushed that unless it is amputated he will certainly die.' Sister Giovanna did not start, for she had guessed that he had received some terrible injury.

She answered quietly enough, by a question.
'Is he conscious ?' she asked.