The good woman-what's her
name? Madame Catherine-made no objection whatever. I stayed twenty
minutes with Pansy; she has a charming little room, not in the least
conventual, with a piano and flowers. She has arranged it
delightfully; she has so much taste. Of course it's all none of my
business, but I feel happier since I've seen her. She may even have
a maid if she likes; but of course she has no occasion to dress. She
wears a little black frock; she looks so charming. I went afterwards
to see Mother Catherine, who has a very good room too; I assure you
I don't find the poor sisters at all monastic. Mother Catherine has
a most coquettish little toilet-table, with something that looked
uncommonly like a bottle of eau-de-Cologne. She speaks delightfully of
Pansy; says it's a great happiness for them to have her. She's a
little saint of heaven and a model to the oldest of them. just as I
was leaving Madame Catherine the portress came to say to her that
there was a lady for the signorina. Of course I knew it must be you,
and I asked her to let me go and receive you in her place. She
demurred greatly-I must tell you that-and said it was her duty to
notify the Mother Superior; it was of such high importance that you
should be treated with respect.
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