As a first step, she sent a generous donation to the Convent of the White Sisters, as soon as she was quite recovered; and as her illness had not been serious enough to explain such an important thank-offering, she wrote a line to say that she had never been ill before, and had been so much impressed by the care she had received that she felt she must really do something to help such an excellent institution.

It would give her keen pleasure to visit the hospital, she said in conclusion, but that was no doubt too great a favour to ask.
In thanking her, the Mother Superior replied that it would be no favour at all, and that the Princess would be welcome whenever she chose to send word that she was coming.

On the day following that, the Mother told Sister Giovanna what had happened, and with characteristic directness asked what she thought about her aunt's charity.
'It is very kind of her,' answered the young nun in that monotonous, businesslike tone which all religious use when speaking of an apparently charitable action for the motive of which they are not ready to vouch, though they have no reasonable ground for criticism.
People of the world often speak in that voice when unexpectedly asked to give an opinion about some person whom they dislike but do not dare to abuse.
The little white volcano flared up energetically, however.
'I hate that sort of answer!' she cried, with a delicate snort.
Sister Giovanna looked at her in surprise, but said nothing.
'I cannot refuse the money,' said the Mother Superior, 'but I heartily wish I could! She has given it in order to come here and to be well received if she chooses to come again.

I am sure of that, and she can have no object in coming here except to make mischief for you.

It may be wicked of me, but I do not trust that lady in the least! Do you ?' She asked the question suddenly.
'She cannot harm me more than she did years ago,' Sister Giovanna answered.
'I wish that were certain!' said the other.