Page:Awful Disclosures of Maria Monk (Truslove & Bray).djvu/45

Rh and probably exert themselves to destroy my credit I offer to every reader the following description, knowing that time may possibly throw open those secret recesses, and allow the entrance of those who can satisfy themselves of its truth. Some of my declarations may be thought deficient in evidence, which must of necessity be in the present state of things. But here is a kind of evidence on which I rely, as I see how unquestionable and satisfactory it must prove, whenever it shall be obtained.

If the interior of the Black Nunnery, whenever it shall be examined, is materially different from the following description, then I shall claim no confidence of my readers. If it resemble it, they will, I presume, place confidence in some of those declarations, on which I may never be corroborated by true and living witnesses.

I am sensible that great changes may be made in the furniture of apartments; that new walls may be constructed, or old ones removed; and I have been informed that masons have been employed in the Nunnery since I left it. I well know that entire changes cannot be made, and that enough must remain to substantiate my description, whenever the truth shall be known.

Beginning at the extremity of the western wing of the Convent, towards Notre Dame street, on the first storey, there is —

1. The nuns' private chapel, adjoining which is a passage to a small projection of the building extending from the upper storey to the ground, with small windows. Into the passage we were required to bring wood from the yard, and pile it for use.

2. A large community-room, with plain benches fixed against the wall to sit and lower ones in front to place our feet upon. There is a fountain in the passage near the chimney at the further end, for