the Convent for the performance of religious ceremonies merely.

But if a person was near the gate at midnight, he might sometimes form a
different opinion; for when a stray priest is shut out of the Seminary,
or is otherwise put to the need of seeking a lodging, he is always sure
of being admitted to the black nunnery. Nobody but a priest or the
physician can ring the bell at the sick-room door; much less can any
others gain admittance. The pull of the bell is entirely concealed,
somewhere on the outside of the gate, I have been told.

He makes himself known as a priest by a peculiar kind of hissing sound,
made by the tongue against the teeth, while they are kept closed, and
the lips open. The nun within, who delays to open the door, until
informed what kind of an applicant is there, immediately recognizes the
signal, and replies with two inarticulate sounds, such as are often used
instead of yes, with the mouth closed.

The Superior seemed to consider this part of my instructions quite
important, and taught me the signals. I had often occasion to use them;
I have been repeatedly called to the door, in the night, while watching
in a sick room, and on reaching it, heard the short hissing sound I have
mentioned; then, according to my standing orders, unfastened the door,
admitted the priest, who was at liberty to go where he pleased. I will
name Mr. Bierze, from St. Denis.

The books used in the nunnery, at least such as I recollect of them,
were the following. Most of these are lecture books, or such as are used
by the daily readers, while we were at work, and meals. These were all
furnished by the Superior, out of her library, to which we never had
access. She was informed when we had done with one book, and then