attempt to compel her to the commission of crimes which she detested.
She added, that she would rather die than cause the murder of harmless
babes.

"That is enough, finish her!" said the Bishop.

Two nuns instantly fell upon the young woman, and in obedience to
directions, given by the Superior, prepared to execute her sentence.

She still maintained all the calmness and submission of a lamb. Some of
those who took part in this transaction, I believe, were as unwilling as
myself; but of others I can safely say, that I believe they delighted in
it. Their conduct certainly exhibited a most blood-thirsty spirit. But,
above all others present, and above all human fiends I ever saw, I think
Sainte Hypolite was the most diabolical. She engaged in the horrid task
with all alacrity, and assumed from choice the most revolting parts to
be performed. She seized a gag, forced it into the mouth of the poor
nun, and when it was fixed between her extended jaws, so as to keep them
open at their greatest possible distance, took hold of the straps
fastened at each end of the stick, crossed them behind the helpless head
of the victim, and drew them tight through the loop prepared, as a
fastening.

The bed which had always stood in one part of the room, still remained
there; though the screen, which had usually been placed before it, and
was made of thick muslin, with only a crevice through which a person
behind might look out, had been folded up on its hinges in the form of a
W, and placed in a corner. On the bed the prisoner was laid with her
face upward, and then bound with cords, so that she could not move. In
an instant another bed was thrown upon her. One of the priests, named