"
"In that I agree with you," Mother Hilda answered; "so I feel that
perhaps, after all, I may be misjudging her."
At this concession the Prioress's manner softened at once towards the
Mistress of the Novices.
"Well, Hilda, come, tell me, have you said everything you have to
say? Have you given us your full reasons for not wishing Evelyn to
take the veil if she should decide to do so? I see you hesitate. I
asked you here to-night so that you might speak your mind. Let
everything be said. There is no use telling me afterwards that you
didn't say things because you thought I wouldn't like to hear them.
Say everything."
Pressed by the Prioress, Mother Hilda admitted that she was concerned
regarding the motive which actuated the Prioress and Mother Philippa.
"I include her."
Mother Philippa looked up suddenly. The Prioress smiled.
"My motive!" said Mother Philippa.
"Nothing is farther from my thought than to attribute a wrong motive
to anybody, but I am not quite sure, dear Mother, that you would be
as anxious for Evelyn to join our community if she had no money...
and no voice."
"Situated as we are, we cannot accept penniless women as choir
sisters.
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