Mother Dorothea:
[the Reverend Mother and Sister Clodagh survey the sisters of the Order, determining who will go to Mopu]
Remember, a community is not a class of girls. The sisters won't be easy to manage or to impress. Now, let me see. I'll give you Sister Briony. You'll need her strength.
Sister Clodagh:
Thank you, Reverend Mother.
Mother Dorothea:
Sister Philippa for the garden... Sister Blanche.
Sister Clodagh:
Sister Blanche?
Mother Dorothea:
You know what the other girls call her?
Sister Clodagh:
Sister Honey.
Mother Dorothea:
Yes, Honey. I think you'll need Sister Honey. She's popular. And you'll need to be popular... And Sister Ruth.
Sister Clodagh:
[Surprised]
But Sister Ruth is ill.
Mother Dorothea:
That is why I want her to go.
Sister Clodagh:
Forgive me for saying so, Reverend Mother, but do you think our vocation is her vocation?
Mother Dorothea:
[Nodding knowingly]
Yes, she's a problem. I'm afraid she'll be a problem for you, too. With a smaller community, she may be better. Give her responsibility, Sister. She badly wants importance.
Sister Clodagh:
Do you think it's a good thing to let her feel important?
Mother Dorothea:
Spare her some of your own importance... if you can.
Sister Clodagh:
Mother, are you sorry that I have been appointed to take charge of St. Faith?
Mother Dorothea:
Yes. I don't think you're ready for it, and I think you'll be lonely. Never forget: we're an order of workers. Work them hard. And remember... the superior of all is the servant of all.
Sister Clodagh:
I understand.
