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137 StruGGLE A serious vow pronounced in grief escapes from young lips lightly, turning overnight a girl with wavering belief into a nun with earthly yearning. Her duties as a nurse she must fulfil, her blond youth pulses through the clinic still. And though her heart may hanker for a thrill, her eyes do not betray the vital will. And with ascetic rigour she restrains her longing, at Emmaus69 prays before the wondrous image, lays her plea for fortitude and holy grace. oVErcoMinG The day begins to brighten; “Firm, be firm in faith today, and God your tasks will lighten, for diphtheria has its prey . . .” The ailing lad she nurses, kisses him, but death has grabbed him by the neck. And when the day is over, sad and grim, she shivers though her shawl is round her neck. And as we passed the convent yesterday, the boy was being buried in the clay. And from the chapel we heard voices pray a second requiem for the day. ...

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