All around me insisted that my doubts proved only my own ignorance and
sinfulness; that they knew by experience they would soon give place to
true knowledge, and an advance in religion; and I felt something like
indecision.
Still, there was so much that disgusted me in the discovery I had now
made, of the debased characters around me, that I would most gladly
have escaped from the nunnery, and never returned. But that was a thing
not to be thought of. I was in their power, and this I deeply felt,
while I thought there was not one among the whole number of nuns to
whom I could look for kindness. There was one, however, who began to
speak to me at length in a tone that gained something of my
confidence,--the nun whom I have mentioned before as distinguished by
her oddity, Jane Ray, who made us so much amusement when I was a
novice. Although, as I have remarked, there was nothing in her face,
form, or manners, to give me any pleasure, she addressed me with
apparent friendliness; and while she seemed to concur in some things
spoken by them, took an opportunity to whisper a few words in my ear,
unheard by them, intimating that I had better comply with everything
the Superior desired, if I would save my life. I was somewhat alarmed
before, but I now became much more so, and determined to make no
further resistance. The Superior then made me repeat the three oaths;
and when I had sworn them, I was shown into one of the community rooms,
and remained some time with the nuns, who were released from their
usual employments, and enjoying a recreation day, on account of the
admission of a new sister. My feelings during the remainder of that
day, I shall not attempt to describe; but pass on to mention the
ceremonies which took place at dinner. This description may give an
idea of the manner in which we always took our meals, although there
were some points in which the breakfast and supper were different.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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