CHAPTER I

THE URSULINE LOSES A PUPIL


"If the ship sails at dawn, then I must hasten to tell my mistress of
the departure, and--of her father's letter."

"I am loath to let yonder tide take her away so soon, Janet."

"But my master's words are a positive command to leave Quebec at
once," and Janet's eyes fell to the imperative line at the close of
her letter which read: "In God's name, good nurse, take my baby to
England in all haste."

"Aye, our noble patron's desire must be carried out!" and the Mother
Superior without further lament went from the small cell.

When the last echo of her footsteps had died away, Janet Wadham
cautiously opened the inner door and passed to the cell adjoining, and
to the low couch upon which lay her mistress in sound slumber.

Fondly she noted the beauty of her charge; the heavy waving hair
gleaming in the fading light a bronze-like amber, the white forehead,
the arched brow, the glow of health upon lip and cheek, the slender
neck, the slope of shoulders, and the outline of a perfect form.

Then the maid stirred and opened her eyes. Her whole body thrilled
with the awakening.