This came so often at one time, that I grew uneasy, and told her I must
confess it, to unburden my conscience; I had not done so before, because
she would complain of me, for giving way to temptation.

Sometimes she would pass behind us as we stood at dinner ready to sit
down, and softly moving back our chairs, leave us to fall down upon the
floor. This she repeatedly has done; and While we were laughing
together, she would spring forward, kneel to the Superior, and beg her
pardon and a penance.




CHAPTER XI.

Alarming Order from the Superior--Proceed to execute it--Scene in an
upper Room--Sentence of Death, and Murder--My own distress--Reports made
to friends of St. Francis.


But I must now come to one deed, in which I had some part, and which I
look back upon with greater horror and pain, than any occurrences in the
Convent, in which I was not the principal sufferer. It is not necessary
for me to attempt to excuse myself in this or any other case. Those who
have any disposition to judge fairly, will exercise their own judgment
in making allowances for me, under the fear and force, the commands and
examples, around me. I, therefore, shall confine myself, as usual, to
the simple narrative of facts. The time was about five months after I
took the veil; the weather was cool, perhaps in September or October.
One day, the Superior sent for me and several other nuns, to receive her