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 eyes at the words; however, she replied only with the thanks really due to his civility. Once, and only once, she drew aside the curtains of her vehicle, and then shrunk back in confusion at the number of people who turned the usual stare of the lazy on the passing carriage. They arrived at the convent-gate; and an old nun, who officiated as porteress, gave her in charge to another, who conducted her to the Abbess. The large wainscoted room, hung in a style with which she was familiar, raised her spirits into a sensation of home. The superior, a stately and pale though still handsome woman, received her politely but coldly—the coldness of indifference, not of dislike. She asked a few unimportant questions, and, ringing a small silver bell, the summons was answered by a nun, to whose care she consigned Beatrice. The sister hurried her away, with all the delight of a child who has got a new plaything. Her desire to show her the convent, and introduce her to her companions, was arrested by observing the faintness and fatigue under which she was sinking. With the kindest sympathy, she led her to the cell appointed for her reception, insisted on her lying down, helped