She had a bunch
of wild flowers in her belt, and at her neck a bow of dark yellow
ribbon. I particularly noticed these points, in my amazement at hearing
Walkirk say that this was the Mother Superior of the House of Martha.
As we approached, she greeted us pleasantly, very much as if she had
expected our coming, and then, addressing Walkirk, she said, with a
smile:
"I see, sir, that you recognize me, and I suppose you are somewhat
surprised to find me here, and thus," glancing at her dress.
"Surprised, madam!" exclaimed Walkirk. "I am astounded."
"Well," said she, "that sort of thing will happen occasionally. The
people on this island have been expecting a visit from you gentlemen,
but I really do not know where any of them are. It is not always easy to
find them, but I will go and see if the Sand Lady is in the house, and
if so I will tell her of your arrival. Of course," she continued, now
turning to me, "you both will remember that in this place we put
ourselves outside of a good many of the ordinary conventions, and are
known by our characteristics instead of our names."
I assured her we understood this, and considered it an admirable idea.
"As you, sir," turning to Walkirk, "have met me before, I will
immediately state that I am known on this island only as the
'Interpolation.
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