me, shalt have the first fruits of my strength:--and oh that Lorretto
were at a greater distance,--to the utmost extent of land and sea would
I go to seek thee!--In uttering these ejaculations she prostrated
herself on the floor;--then rising again, as transported in a manner out
of herself,--I come,--I come, cried she;--still do I hear thy
heavenly voice!

In this fit of enthusiasm did she remain for above half an hour, and so
well acted her part, that the abbess, who would not offer to interrupt
her, believed it real, and was in little less agitation of spirit than
Louisa pretended to be.

At length seeming; to come to herself, she turned towards the company,
as tho' she but just then discovered they were in the room; Oh, madam,
said she to the abbess, how highly favoured have I been this blessed
night!--The virgin has herself appeared to me, whether in a vision, or
to my waking eyes, I cannot well determine; but sure I have been in such
extacies, have felt such divine raptures, as no words can express!

Oh my dear daughter! cried the abbess, how my soul kindles to behold
this change in thee!--but tell me what said the holy virgin!

She bad me wait on her at Lorretto, answered she, and gave me hopes of
doing something wonderful in my favour:--I will therefore, with your
permission, undertake a pilgrimage and at her shrine expiate the
offences of my past life in tears of true contrition, and then return a
pure and fearless partaker of the happiness you enjoy in an
uninterrupted course of devotion:--oh! exclaimed she, exalting her
voice, how do I detest and despise the vanities and follies of the
world!--how hate myself for having been too much attached to them, and