The Convent: A Novel by Panos Karnezis Page A

but she did not tell her about the bloodied bed sheet or the evidence of strange goings-on in the school for novices. ‘Her purpose is to undermine His Excellency’s trust in you, and have the baby put in the orphanage,’ she said. ‘I think you should punish her, Mother. Otherwise who knows what the consequences would be for the child.’
    The Mother Superior showed her scorn for Sister Ana with a smile. ‘I cannot punish her,’ she said. ‘This is not a prison. You are all free to do what you wish as long as you do not break the rules of the Order.’ She stopped and looked in the direction of the cradle to check whether the baby had woken up, then resumed: ‘I have no doubt that His Excellency will see through her lunacy, but she could still cause a scandal that would ultimately hurt us. It is this I cannot allow. I do not want Lucía or you driving her to the city. Tell her that you are obeying my instructions.’
    Sister Beatriz bowed. ‘It was my duty to inform you, Reverend Mother.’
    ‘You did the right thing, Beatriz.’
    ‘The problem could be solved by sending her away.’
    ‘There would have to be a formal inquest for that. I would have to write to the Superioress, who would then invite Ana and me to the capital to argue our case before her. You and the other sisters might have to give evidence too. It would be very unpleasant. Instead I am hoping that sooner or later Ana will go of her own accord.’
    ‘The child’s life may be in danger.’
    Sister María Inés looked at the young nun with severity.
    ‘What makes you think so?’
    ‘She seems to be possessed without knowing it,’ Sister Beatriz said. ‘She goes round talking about demons.’
    She added that in her opinion Sister Ana would not hesitate to act if she thought that she was serving God. The fact was that she doubted whether the baby was human, and therefore she might do something to free the convent of evil.
    Sister María Inés listened, pouting. ‘Does she plan to steal the baby? Is there anything else that you know?’
    ‘I am only guessing. It’s my impression from having talked to her.’
    ‘I want you to carry on talking to her. Let me know everything she says.’
    The other woman promised to do it. Then she asked: ‘Will you let me help with the baby?’
    They looked alike in their white habits and black veils and the rosaries looped over their belts. The child stirred in his sleep and the cradle rocked a little. Sister María Inés looked at him. Her life was devoted to love, but how much easier it was to love the whole world than a single human being. The latter was, in fact, forbidden to them; their vow of chastity even ruled out platonic love. She said: ‘Very well. You can be responsible for his milk. I will show you how to prepare it. You should follow my directions carefully. Keep everything clean–hygiene is very important. Things that have no effect on our stomachs may seriously harm an infant.’
    ‘How many times does he need to be fed?’
    ‘The feeding I will do myself for the time being. You will be helping me. Also, you can wash his clothes and bed linen. I will still be changing and washing him myself unless I am occupied when all that needs to be done.’
    ‘You should let me take him out. The sun will do him good. All that mould can’t be good for him.’
    ‘But keep him well wrapped. Be very careful he does not catch a cold.’
    The child woke up at that moment and the Mother Superior went to pick him up. She came back and sat down, cradling him in her arms. The young nun touched his forehead with her fingertips.
    ‘This is my private miracle, Beatriz,’ the Mother Superior said. ‘Never doubt God’s goodness.’
    The bell sounded for the midmorning prayer but, entranced by the child, neither of the women moved for a few moments. The young nun was first to notice, and told the Mother Superior, who, holding the child, followed her unwillingly to the chapel.

 
     
    T he punishment of the two