Page:Elizabeth Jordan--Tales of the cloister.djvu/55

 of observation she remained in the baby's nursery at night, and that pleasant room, so unusual in such an institution, became the Mecca to which the feet of the nuns turned each day during the short intervals in which these busy women could leave the manifold duties connected with their vocation. Sister Philomene alone did not call. Even when she was told that the baby had on several occasions asked for "Chicker Menie" (his name for her), she did not find time to drop in upon him. She would go at once, she explained, if he were really ill; but as the trouble seemed to be only a slight cold, and as he was receiving the attention of the entire community, she thought he would not need her.

One night, toward morning, Sister Rodriguez was aroused by a long-drawn, strangling cough from the crib. She was beside it in an instant. It did not need the child's labored breathing, flushed cheeks, and shining eyes to show her that something was seriously wrong. She recognized the enemy, and with a sinking heart prepared for the battle. She rang for help, and within a few moments half a dozen of the Sisters were with her, and everything was being done in behalf of the strangling baby on whom the croup had fastened so relentless a grip. They at once sent across