Between Darkness and Dawn
study of medicine. She had chosen her profession, and Sister Estelle had approved the choice, which was enough. The thinly veiled disapprobation of her guardian and other friends counted for little against that.
She had reached the entrance to Commencement Hall, but she passed it, and, after a preliminary tap, entered a room a few doors beyond. It was empty except for a Sister, in her severe black garb, standing at the window over looking the convent garden. The nun did not turn. She slipped her arm around the girdled waist and laid her cheek against the stiff white linen that covered her friend s bosom. The little act meant much, for caresses were rare between these two, who understood each other so well without them.
The young girl looked up into the nun's eyes and wondered whether it was fancy or if the lids were a trifle reddened. She dared not think so, for that might mean the loss of her own self-control. Sister Estelle did not approve of tears even when shed in such circumstances as these and by the pupil of her heart.
"How can I get up there and read to them," Elizabeth asked, "with our parting before me? You will help me, I know; tell me that I must do it, and that I shall do it well."
The nun smiled serenely. "Assuredly you
181
