Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1907-05-23
CHAPTER Nv

The Convent of the Barnardines is
situated but a short distance from the
Pasco de Bucarelli. On the day when we
introduce the reader into the convent, at
about five in the evening, three persons,
collected in a leafy arbor, at the end of
the garden were talking with considera-
Bile animation.
Of these persons, one was a nun, while
the other two, girls of from sixteen to
eighteen. were novices.
The first was the Mother Superior of
the convent, lady of about fifty years
of age, with delicate and aristocratic fea-
lures, gentle manners, and a noble and
majestic demeanor.
The second was Dona Anita. She was
pale and white as a corpse. her fever
parched eyes were not easy, fixed on any
object, and she looked about her hurried
ly and desperately.
The third was nona Helena Rillier a
light haired, blue-eyed girl, with a saucy
look, whose velvety cheeks, and noble
and well-dehned features, revealed the
candor and innocence of youth, combined
with the laughing expressions of a board
er spoiled by an indulgent governess.
side the arbor, like a vigilant sentry care
fully watching lest the conversation be-
tween the Mother Superior and her COM
panion, should be disturbed
"Sister Redemption is coming this way,
holy mother" Dona Helena said at this
moment.
At a sign from the Mother Superior.
Dona Anita withdrew to the other end of
the bench on which she was seated, fold
ing her arms on her chest
Are you looking for our mother, sis
ter?" Dona Helena asked a rather elder
ly lay sister, who was looking to the right
and left as if really seeking somebody.
Yes, sister," the lay sister answered,
Il wish to deliver message with which
l am intrusted for our mother"
Then enter this arbor, sister, and
you will find her reposing there"
The lay sister entered the arbor, ap-
preached the Mother Superior, stopped
three PAGES off, folded her arms, and look
ed down and waited.
What do you desire, daughter?" the
Mother Superior asked her.
Your blessing in the first place, holy
mother" the lay sister answered.
Il can give it you, daughter and now
what message have you for me?"
Holy mother, a gentleman of lofty
bearing, called Don Scrapio de la Donda
wishes to speak with you privately"
Remain here till the oracion my chill
dren; converse together, but be prudent"
she said.
Then after giving Dona Anita part
ing kiss. the Mother Superior went away,
sorely troubled in mind at this visit from
man she did not know, and whose name
she heard for the first time. When she
entered the parlor the abbess examined
the stranger with hasty glance. On
perceiving her he rose from his chair and
bowed respectfully. This first glance was
favorable to the stranger, in whom the
reader has doubtless already recognized
Valentine Guillois
Pray resume your seat, cabellero,"
the abbesS said to him, IF your con-
versation is to last any time; we shall
talk more comfortably while sitting"
Valentine bowed, offered the lady
chair. and then returned to his own.
Senior Don Serapio de la Ronda was
announced to me-" the lady continued
after q short silence
Il am that gentleman, madam"
Il am at your orders, cabellero, and
ready to listen to any communication
you may have to make"
Madam, l am merely commissioned
by the Minister of the Home Department
to deliver this letter, to which l have
few words to add"
While uttering this sentence with eZ-