Priest Dow then led me back to the nursery, and left me
with the Superior. But he soon came, back, saying he
"knew what I was thinking about; that I had wicked thoughts
about him; thought he was a bad man, and that I wished
to leave him and go to my father;" Now this was all true,
and the fact that he knew it, frightened me accordingly.
It was a sure proof that what Father Darity said was
true. But how could I ever be safe, if they could thus
read the inmost secrets of my soul? I did dislike them
all very much indeed and I could not help it. How then
could I avert the consequences of this deep aversion to
convent life, since it could not be concealed? Was it
possible for me so far to conquer myself, as to love the
persons with whom I lived? How many nights did I lie
awake pondering this question, and resolving to make the
effort. I was, of course, too young to know that it was
only by shrewd guessing, and a general knowledge of human
nature, that he was enabled to tell my thoughts so
correctly.

"Now," said he, "for indulging these dreadful thoughts,
I shall take you back to the devil, and give you up to
him." I was frightened before; but I have no words to
describe my feelings when he again led me back, and left
me beside the image, saying, as he closed the door, "If
the devil groans three times, and the Lord does not speak,
you must stay here until to-morrow at this time." I
trembled so that I could hardly stand, and when, after
a few moments, a sound like a groan fell upon my ears,