We know what the advantages would be," said Mother Hilda in
a low, insinuating voice which always exasperated the Reverend
Mother.
"I think it would be better to wait," Mother Philippa answered. "You
see, she is suffering from a great mental breakdown; I think she
should have her chance like another." And, turning to the Prioress,
she said, "Dear Mother, do you think when Evelyn recovers her health
sufficiently to arrive at a decision that she will stay with us?"
"Not if a dead set is made against her, and if she is made to feel
she has no vocation, and that her influence is a pernicious one."
"Dear Mother, I never said--"
"Well, don't let us discuss the matter any more for the moment. Of
course, if you decide that Evelyn is not to remain in the novitiate--"
"It is for you to decide the matter. You are Reverend Mother here, it
is for us to obey; only since you ask me--"
"Ask you, Hilda? But you tell me nothing. You merely oppose. What is
your dislike to Evelyn?"
"Dislike!"
"I am sure there is no dislike on Mother Hilda's part," Mother
Philippa said; "I am quite sure of that, Reverend Mother. Evelyn's
health is certainly improving, and I hope she will soon be able to
sing for us again at Benediction.
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