‘I don’t think so, because Mother Superior and Sister Margaret didn’t change their ways. I think Missy also thought in the end it would be a waste of time.’

‘Why?’ Jane asked.

‘Because Mother Superior was good at putting on an act. She was ambitious. She often said she would become the next Superior General and have a private audience with the pope—’

‘Sorry to interrupt, but what’s a Superior General?’ Jane asked.

‘It’s also known as Mother General. Basically, they oversee all the Sisters of Mercy convents. Mother Superior was determined to achieve her goal and make sure the bishop and other visitors were properly impressed when they came to the convent.’

‘How did she do that?’ Boon asked. ‘Considering how badly the children were treated.’

‘There was a room in the convent that was always kept locked by Mother Superior. Inside was everything a child could wish for: a lovely playroom full of toys, books and dolls, all donated by a local Catholic charity. She only opened the playroom on days that dignitaries like the bishop or other officials visited the convent. They would see a room full of happy, smiling children and walk away with a false impression all was well and she was wonderful. As soon as they were gone, the children were marched out and the door was locked. Any child who resisted was given a whack on the head by Mother Superior with her wooden ladle or caned on the backside by Sister Margaret.’

‘Can you remember anything about Missy’s behaviour just before she left?’ Jane asked.

‘She hadn’t been her normal easy-going self. She was quiet and subdued. We always confided in each other when something was bothering us, but Missy was becoming more and more distant and keeping her feelings to herself. The last night I ever saw her we were in our room. It was after lights-out and I heard her crying. I asked what was upsetting her. Missy said she was really unhappy at the convent and didn’t know if she could continue to devote her life to the sisterhood and uphold the vows she had taken. I realised she was thinking of leaving. I told her not to do anything rash and suggested she should ask for a move to another convent. She said she would think about it, though it seemed to me she’d made up her mind. It wasn’t unusual for sisters to give up their faith, though generally they were novices. A few left while I was at the convent.’

‘Excuse my ignorance, but what exactly are the vows you take as a nun?’ Boon asked.