 There are two upcoming important events: the novices are approaching their rededication ceremony, and the Reverend Mother is attending a conference in Chicago. With the latter, she can take one travel companion, and all the sisters do extra things for the Reverend Mother in hopes that that will sway the Reverend Mother s decision in her favor. Sister Bertrille is especially hopeful as she went to school there, and desperately wants to see it again. The Reverend Mother even believes that she would be the appropriate choice, however as Chicago is the Windy City, it is too much of a risk for Sister Bertrille to go. She is sad enough about that, but it makes her realize that she needs to be able to control her flying more so than she is able, especially with the upcoming rededication ceremony with the Mother General in attendance. Consulting an aeronautical engineer, she learns that all she needs to do is to gain five pounds to ground herself. So she embarks on an eating binge. Having only gained three and a half pounds by the day of the Mother General s arrival, Sister Bertrille has to use other techniques for the extra weight: lead boots. After the Reverend Mother sees the boots, she demands that Sister Bertrille find another way. Sisters Jacqueline and Teresa rig a string pulley system to her, and everything is working fine during the ceremony, despite it being a blustery day, except the string is too short due to a miscalculation on Sister Teresa s part. But ultimately, Reverend Mother comes to the rescue. The Reverend Mother reiterates that Sister Bertrille has a special gift that must not be questioned, but rather cherished and used wisely and discretely.