The nun was not
aware that Jehan sat in a darkened corner, watching her slightest move,
nor that the marquis had awakened. She was dreaming with unclosed
eyes, the expression on her face one of repose. The face which the
marquis saw had at one time been very beautiful. Presently the
marquis's scrutiny became a stare. . . . That scar; what did it recall
to his wandering mind? A fit of trembling seized him and took the
strength from his propping arm. The creaking of the bed aroused her.
[Illustration: "She was dreaming with unclosed eyes."]
This strange land was full of phantoms. Only the other night he had
seen a face resembling Marie de Montbazon's. Bah!
"You are Sister Benie?" he said at once, narrowing his eyes. "Faith,"
he thought, "if all nuns were like this woman, Christianity were easy
to embrace."
"Yes, Monsieur," replied the nun. "Brother Jacques has sent me to you.
What may I do for you?"
"You were young once?"
This unusual question apparently had no effect upon her serenity. "I
am still young. Those who give their hearts unreservedly to God never
grow old."
The marquis's hand moved, restlessly.
Pages:
387
388
389
390
391
392
393
394
395
396
397
398
399
400
401
402
403
404
405
406
407
408
409
410
411