On July sixth Mrs. Allen took her son to the Convent, where Reverend Mother Gertrude received them cordially, and placed Bolax under the care of Sister Joseph, who was to be his special instructress for Holy Communion. For a few days he felt homesick, but soon got over it. The good Sisters had always some work or play to occupy their pupils, so that time never seemed long or lonely to the boys. As the school was only eight miles from Midville, some one went down every week and all the household sent letters to our boy. Reverend Mother gave Mrs. Allen an invitation to spend the three days of the retreat in the Convent with her children, as Amy's health would not permit her to remain away from her mother's care. CONVENT OF ST. IMELDA. _Dearest Mother and all at Home_: You will be glad to know that I am well and happy. My First Holy Communion is always in my mind, and I am doing all I can to prepare for the great day. I went to Confession to the Chaplain Father Drumgool, and I will make my General Confession in one week's time. Please come down to see me as soon as you get this, I want to see you particularly, bring Sister Amy, I want Mother Gertrude and the Sisters to see her. I make two visits to the Blessed Sacrament every day, and beg our Lord to make me worthy to receive Him. Your loving son, BOLAX. * * * * * JULY 18TH. _My Beloved Son_: Yours just received, and oh how it gladdens my heart to know you are contented. I dream of you every night, and my heart longs for you, but I know it is best for your soul to be with the blessed Sisters. The longer you are in such a heavenly place, the less you will feel like leaving it. I look back at my Convent days as the happiest of my life. Papa has felt less pain in his arm for the last few days, so your prayers are being heard already. God bless you, darling, and make you a good and sincere Catholic. MAMMA. Offer all your actions, even your play, as so many prayers that your First Communion may be a very holy one. Sister sends her dearest love; pray that she may be able to make her retreat with you at the Convent. Your loving, MOTHER. * * * * * HOME, JULY 26TH. _My Dear Little Nephew_: Your mother was so glad to see something belonging to you that she actually kissed the bundle of your soiled clothes. Oh, dear child! I wonder if you ever will repay that mother for her adoring love of you. All she asks in return is, that you will always be a fervent Catholic all the days of your life. Don't disappoint her. Several of the boys were here asking for you, but we did not explain why you were away, as they would not understand about First Holy Communion. Elmer came and was so glad to hear of you being in the Convent. Amy and I will be down to see you in a day or two. I will then tell all the news, so this letter will have to be short. Your loving Aunt, LUCY ALLEN.