The room was barely lighted by a few candles at one end, and was filled to overflowing by the nuns of the three orders, mingled with those who had shared their generous hospitality--old and feeble gentlemen whose fighting days had long passed; grey-haired gentlewomen, patient and resigned, others in the full bloom of youth, and young girls and children, pale and anxious-eyed; while in the circle of light beneath the great black crucifix on the white wall stood the commanding figure of la mere de Ste. Claude, and with her la mere de Ste. Helene of the Hotel-Dieu, and la mere de la Nativite of the Ursulines. All were listening with breathless attention to the words that fell from the venerable Bishop of Quebec, Monseignieur de Pontbriand, whose quiet bearing and measured tones carried assurance to many a fainting heart. "My children," he was saying, as we entered, "do not forget, in our day of disaster, that we are not left helpless. Let us for our comfort say together those words, which we learned to lisp as children, but perhaps only to understand to-night." And, as he raised his hand, the people knelt, and with voices that gained confidence as the familiar words fell from his lips, they repeated the "Qui habitat" in unison: "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." [Illustration: "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High."] The common danger, the common worship, drew us together. Each succeeding verse, with its divine assurance of safety and protection, brought to us a quiet and a confidence which renewed our strength. But even as all hearts were lifted there came a commanding knock at the outer door opposite the chapel, which was immediately repeated, and la mere Ste. Claude signed it should be opened. Angelique and I, being at the threshold of the hall, hastened to obey, and found ourselves in the presence of a general officer, behind whom was a detachment of soldiers in Highland uniform. The officer stepped into the hall as one who takes possession, and demanded the Superior, in accurate French. She came forward followed by the principal nuns and ladies. "Have no fear, mesdames," he said, bowing low with much elegance of manner; "I am General Townshend. You will suffer no harm; but we must take possession of your convent, for your protection as well as our own." "You are victors, monsieur, and can command," she said, bitterly. "We are victors, madame," he returned, gravely, "but we have bought our honours dearly. Our general lies dead on the plain above." "C'est sur le champ d'honneur, monsieur," she instantly responded, in a tone of much feeling.