"That is the saddest part of it to me.
Nearly all these poor creatures you see here once had happy homes of their own.

That pitiful old body over by the stove, shaking with palsy, was once a gay, rich countess; the invalid whom madame visits was a marquise.

It would break your heart, mademoiselle, to hear the stories of some of these people, especially those who have been cast aside by ungrateful children, to whom their support has become a burden.

Several of these women have prosperous grandchildren, to whom we have appealed in vain.

There is no cruelty that hurts me like such cruelty to old age." Just then another nun came into the room, said something to Sister Denisa in a low voice, and glided out like a silent shadow, her rosary swaying back and forth with every movement of her clinging black skirts.
"I am needed up-stairs," said Sister Denisa, turning to Joyce.