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, I
shrieked in the extremity of terror.
[Footnote: Cioui, formerly a Benedictine Monk, giving an account of his
imprisonment at Rome, after his conversion says:--
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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