Page:Elizabeth Jordan--Tales of the cloister.djvu/279

, no traces of candle or drippings were found in or around the Imp's quarters.

One of the nuns rose and spoke. The guilt of Mercedes seemed so established, she said, as to need little discussion. In their hearts all knew she had done this thing. She should be punished, and in a way that would make a lasting impression. She suggested, as a just penalty, that Mercedes be forbidden to attend the great annual holiday entertainment given by the pupils to the nuns in the large hall of the institution. It was, next to the commencement, the event of the year, and to be kept away from it would be a severe punishment, even to the Imp, who had recently taken a deep interest in the rehearsals and had herself a small part in the musical programme. There was a murmur of approval and a little buzz of comment which the quiet voice of Sister Ernesta silenced. She had risen from her chair and stood looking around the circle of faces in which she saw only dark distrust of the Imp. There was an unusual erectness in her pose, and her soft, low voice was very steady as she addressed the Superior.

"May I speak a few words?" she said, gently. "I am interested in this child, as you may have seen. I have met her many times; we have had little talks in the garden. I have