any one except a priest or a Superior. When directly
addressed by either of them we were allowed to answer;
but we might never ask a question, or make a remark, or
in any way, either by looks, words, or signs, hold
communication with each other. Whenever we did so, it
was at the risk of being discovered and severely punished.
Yet this did not repress the desire for conversation; it
only made us more cautious, artful, and deceptive. The
only recreation allowed us was fifteen minutes' exercise
in the yard every morning and evening. We might then
amuse ourselves as we chose, but were required to spend
the whole time in some kind of active exercise; if one
of our number ventured to sit still, we were all punished
the next day by being kept in the house.

It was my business, while in the nursery, to dust all
the furniture and the floor, with a flannel mop, made
and kept for this purpose. The floors were all painted
and varnished, and very easily kept clean.

Two hours and a half each day we spent with a priest,
whom we were taught to call Father Darity (I do not know
as I spell this and other names correctly, but I give it
to the reader as it sounded to my ear). He appeared to
take great pleasure in learning us to repeat the prayers
and catechism required by Priest Dow. He also gave us a
variety of instructions in other things, enjoining in
particular the most absolute obedience and perfect silence.
He assured us that if we dared to disobey him in the
least particular, he should know it, even if he was not