Perhaps the surgeon would think it better that he should see her, but she would not be left alone with him; possibly she might be asked by the Mother Superior or by Monsignor Saracinesca, if he chanced to come that morning, to use her influence with Giovanni in order that he might submit to what alone could save him from death.

It was going to be one of the hardest days in all her life--would God not stay the dawn one hour?
It was stealing through the shutters now, grey and soft, and the wounded man's sleep was unmistakably lighter.

Sister Giovanna drew back noiselessly from the bedside and carried her chair to the corner where the little table stood, and sat down to wait again.

It might be bad for him to wake and see some one quite near him, looking into his face.
At that moment the door opened quietly and the Mother Superior stood on the threshold, looking preternaturally white, even for her.

Sister Giovanna rose at once and went to meet her.