Page:Elizabeth Jordan--Tales of the cloister.djvu/59

 It was a long, hard fight. Sister Rodriguez was exhausted before it was won, and the old doctor, whose age told in such a strain as this, looked gray in the early morning light. Sister Philomene alone was fresh and ruddy-hued, showing no effect of sleeplessness or physical effort. The doctor looked at her approvingly as he picked up his hat.

"I will run over to the house now," he said, "and get a nap. My years turn upon me, Sister, and remind me that I am at their mercy. I hope the crisis is passed, but if the child grows worse again send for me. I will be ready to come at a moment's notice. Get Sister Rodriguez to lie down and sleep a little, if you can. She needs it, too. Unless you send for me before, I will come again at eight o'clock. Can you keep watch until then? You know the conditions and the treatment, and I do not like to leave him in other hands."

The nun replied with a quiet smile. He gave her a few more directions and left the convent. She tucked Sister Rodriguez in her little cot at the other side of the room, and, in spite of her protests, made her remain there.

Sister Rodriguez had once been a "novice" under this stern mistress, and the habit of obedience was strong. The child she loved seemed out of danger, and she felt weary and