I took no nourishment, except a teaspoonful of brandy
and water which was given me as often as I could take it
I continued to have fits every day for more than two
years, nor did I ever entirely recover from the effects
of that fright. Even now, though years have passed away,
a little excitement or a sudden shock, will sometimes
throw me into one of those fits.




CHAPTER IV.

A SLAVE FOR LIFE.

During this illness I was placed under the care of an
Abbess whom they called St. Bridget. There were many
other Abbesses in the convent, but she was the principal
one, and had the care of all the clothing. If the others
wished for clean clothes, they were obliged to go to her
for them. In that way I saw them all, but did not learn
their names. They approached me and looked at me, but
seldom spoke. This I thought very strange, but I now know
they dared not speak. One day an Abbess came to my bed,
and after standing a few moments with the tears silently
flowing down her cheeks, asked me if I had a mother. I
told her I had not, and I began to weep most bitterly.
I was very weak, and the question recalled to my mind
the time when I shared a father's love, and enjoyed my
liberty. Then, I could go and come as I chose, but now,