" Now when she had been hoping for a cigarette and a look at the paper she had to waltz this ridiculous nun downtown to buy a postcard or whatever it was she wanted. “Why don’t they allow you out on your own, Mother? I’m delighted to accompany you of course, but I’ve often wondered.” “It’s part of our Rule,” Immaculata said smugly. Angela felt like punching her in the face. “Are they afraid you’ll make a run for it?” she asked. “Hardly, Miss O’Hara.” “Well there must be some reason but I suppose we’ll never know.” “We rarely question the Rule.” “No, I suppose you don’t. That’s where you have my wholehearted admiration. I’d question it from morning to night.” The nun gave a tinny little laugh. “Oh, I’m sure you would, Miss O’Hara. "

― Maeve Binchy , Echoes