it is too true," said I. "I beseech you, Sister,
to pray that you may have your eyes opened to the discerning of your
faults," saith she. "You are much too partial and prejudiced in your
governance of the Sisters, and likewise with the children. Some you
keep not under as you should; and to others you grant too little
freedom."

"Indeed, Sister, I am afraid it may be so, though I have tried hard to
avoid it."

"Well, Sister, I hope you will think of these things, and that our Lord
may give you more of the grace of humility. You lack it very much, I
can assure you. I would you would try to copy such of us as are really
humble and meek."

"That I earnestly desire, Sister," said I: "but is it not better to copy
our Lord Himself than any earthly example? I thank you for your
reproof, and I will try harder to be humble."

"You know, Sister," said she, as she was going forth, "I have no wish
but to be faithful. I cannot bear telling others of their faults.
Only, I _must_ be faithful."

"I thank you, Sister Ada," said I.

So away she went. Sister Gaillarde said when she saw me, with one of
her grim smiles--

"Well! is the lecture over? Did she bite very hard?"

"She saith I am greatly lacking in meekness and humility, and take too
much on myself," said I: "and I dare say it is true."

"Humph!" said Sister Gaillarde. "It would be a mercy if some folks
weren't. And if one or two of us had a trifle more self-assertion,
perhaps some others would have less."

"Have I too much self-assertion, Sister?" I said, feeling sorry it
should be thus plain to all my Sisters. "I will really--"

Sister Gaillarde patted me on the shoulder with her grimmest smile.

"You will really spoil every body you come near!" said she. "Go your
ways, Sister Annora, and leave the wasps in the garden a-be."

"Why, I do," said I, "without they sting me."

"Exactly!" said Sister Gaillarde, laughing, and away. I know not what
she meant.

Mother Joan is something troubled with her eyes, and the leech thinks it
best she should no longer be over the illumination-room, but be set to
some manner of work that will try the sight less. So I am appointed
thereto in her stead. I cannot say I am sorry, for I shall see more of
Joan, since in this chamber she passes three mornings of a week. I mean
my child Joan, for verily she is the child of mine heart. And my very
soul yearns over her, for Sister though I be, I cannot help the thought