Marie Belloc Lowndes

“ And then there came across the old nun's face a very charming look. “An old woman's blessing can only do Mademoiselle good!” she exclaimed; and then she took Lily in her arms and kissed her.
The girl felt extremely moved, and, yes, interested by this, to her, surprising experience; but she felt vexed and also annoyed by the reference to Beppo Polda. It was obvious that Cristina meant to associate them, Beppo and herself, in the mind of the Mother Superior.
“A sorrow has befallen the community,” said the nun in a sad tone. “We have lost our beautiful cat! ”

“ Still, I am glad to be with you, and away from La Solitude!”
“Surely it isn't necessary for you to go to church, especially on a week-day, so very early?” said the girl impulsively.
“I ought never to go into a church.” Cristina was speaking in an almost inaudible voice. “I am not worthy to enter the House of God. But, Mademoiselle, I feel so safe there. As you know, the Devil hates holy water. He cannot follow me past the porch.”
She spoke in such a suffering, troubled tone that Lily had not the heart to smile at her extraordinary words. ”

“ The only time that gate is open is when they are bringing in the wood and the charcoal for the fire. Some was brought a day or two ago. I may have left the gate unlocked,” she repeated, in a troubled voice.
The girl hurried out and ran across the yard. The outhouse had evidently been tidied up by Cristina that morning. Somehow it looked different.
Lily glanced round. What was it that made this queer little place look other than usual? Then all at once she knew—the curious-looking trolley, which as a rule stood just opposite the door, was now pushed back alongside the further wall. ”

“ There are a good many lunatic asylums round Epsom, and among Uncle Tom's friends was a very clever doctor attached to one of these institutions. He had sometimes told the Fairfields pathetic stories of his patients, and of their strange, uncanny delusions. ”