CHAPTER 67

 Next morning Kitty went to the convent. The girl who opened the door seemed surprised to see her and when Kitty had been for a few minutes about her work the Mother Superior came in. She went up to Kitty and took her hand.

 

"I am glad to see you, my dear child. You show a fine courage in coming back here so soon after your great sorrow; and wisdom, for I am sure that a little work will keep you from brooding."

 

Kitty cast down her eyes, reddening a little; she did not want the Mother Superior to see into her heart.

 

"I need not tell you how sincerely all of us here sympathise with you."

 

"You are very kind," whispered Kitty.

 

"We all pray for you constantly and for the soul of him you have lost."

 

Kitty made no reply. The Mother Superior released her hand and in her cool, authoritative¹ tone imposed various tasks upon her. She patted two or three children on the head, gave them her aloof², but winning smile, and went about her more pressing affairs.

1 authoritative   

adj.有权威的，可相信的；命令式的；官方的

参考例句：

• David speaks in an authoritative tone.大卫以命令的口吻说话。
• Her smile was warm but authoritative.她的笑容很和蔼，同时又透着威严。

2 aloof   

adj.远离的；冷淡的，漠不关心的

参考例句：

• Never stand aloof from the masses.千万不可脱离群众。
• On the evening the girl kept herself timidly aloof from the crowd.这小女孩在晚会上一直胆怯地远离人群。