Page:Awful Disclosures of Maria Monk (Truslove & Bray).djvu/32

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WAS introduced into the Superior's room on the evening preceeding the day on which I was to take the veil, to have an interview with the Bishop. The Superior was present, and the interview lasted half an hour. The Bishop on this as on other occasions appeared to be habitually rough in his manners. His address was by no means pre-possessing.

Before I took the veil, I was ornamented for the ceremony, and was clothed in a dress belonging to the Convent, which was used on such occasions; and placed near the altar in the Chapel, in the view of a number of spectators, who had assembled. Taking the veil is an affair which occurs so frequently in Montreal, that it has long ceased to be regarded as a novelty; and although notice had been given in the French parish Church as usual, only a small audience assembled. Being well prepared with a long training, and frequent rehearsals, I stood waiting in my large flowing dress for the appearance of the Bishop. He soon presented himself, entering by a door behind the altar: I then threw myself at his feet, and asked him to confer upon me the veil. He expressed his consent; and then turning to the Superior, I threw myself prostrate at her feet, according to my instructions, repeating what I have before done at rehearsals, and made a movement as if to kiss her feet. This she prevented, or appeared to prevent, catching me by a sudden motion of her hand, and granted my request. I then kneeled before the Holy Sacrament