mind, was permitted to enter there. With these views and
feelings, he was undoubtedly sincere when he told me, "I
would have a good home, and the nuns would take better
care of me than he could." Rash his decision certainly
was, cruel it proved to be; but I shall ever give him
credit for good intentions.

At length the bell rang, and all the girls immediately
left their beds, and placed themselves upon their knees.
I followed their example, but I had scarcely time to
kneel by my bed, when the Superior came into the room
with a light in her hand, and attended by a priest. He
came to me, opened a book, and told me to cross myself.
This ceremony he instructed me to perform in the following
manner: the right hand is placed upon the forehead, and
drawn down to the breast; then across the breast from
left to right. The Superior then told me to say the prayer
called "Hail Mary!" I attempted to do so, but failed,
for, though I had often repeated it after my father, I
could not say it correctly alone. She then bade me join
my hands, and repeat it after her. "Hail Mary! Full of
grace! The Lord be with thee! Blessed art thou among
women! Blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus! Mother
of God! Pray for us sinners, now, and at the hour of our
death, Amen."

"Now," said the Superior, as I rose from my knees, "you
must learn every word of that prayer before to-morrow
night, or go without your supper." I tried my best to
remember it, but with so little instruction, for she