The careful attention she pays to her stitches and the pride she takes in completing the pieces have lost their meaning. There is no reputation to build for a career as a Parisian seamstress, no reason to work hard any more. Madame du Clos has permitted Laure, her best set of fingers, to languish behind the others. Back in the dormitory after their day of work, Madame Gage leads them through the Miserere mei Deus, their usual nighttime prayer. When she has finished, she turns to Laure and asks her to be the one to recite the act of contrition to the group. “This is the last time you will recite it for us.” The governess turns to the others and says, “Laure Beauséjour will be leaving on a ship for Canada next week.” There is a gasp in the room from those who haven’t yet heard the rumour. In whispers, they ask what Laure has done to merit such a brutal punishment. Only girls from la Force or Pitié or the worst dormitories would be so condemned. The word they use to describe her departure is banishment.
