this, and thinking that anything can be kept secret that is done
against Thee! I am quite certain that great evils would be
avoided if we clearly understood that what we have to do is, not
to be on our guard against men, but on our guard against
displeasing Thee.

10. For the first eight days, I suffered much; but more from the
suspicion that my vanity was known, than from being in the
monastery; for I was already weary of myself--and, though I
offended God, I never ceased to have a great fear of Him, and
contrived to go to confession as quickly as I could. I was very
uncomfortable; but within eight days, I think sooner, I was much
more contented than I had been in my father's house. All the
nuns were pleased with me; for our Lord had given me the grace to
please every one, wherever I might be. I was therefore made much
of in the monastery. Though at this time I hated to be a nun,
yet I was delighted at the sight of nuns so good; for they were
very good in that house--very prudent, observant of the rule,
and recollected.

11. Yet, for all this, the devil did not cease to tempt me; and
people in the world sought means to trouble my rest with messages
and presents. As this could not be allowed, it was soon over,
and my soul began to return to the good habits of my earlier
years; and I recognized the great mercy of God to those whom He
places among good people. It seems as if His Majesty had sought
and sought again how to convert me to Himself. Blessed be Thou,
O Lord, for having borne with me so long! Amen.

12. Were it not for my many faults, there was some excuse for me,