Page:Life in Mexico vol 1.djvu/314



 The convent-entry — Dialogue — A chair in church — Arrival of the nun — Dress — José Maria — Crowd — Withdrawal of the black curtain — The taking of the veil — The sermon — A dead body — Another victim — Convent of the Encarnacion — Attempt at a hymn — Invitation — Morning visit — The nun and her mother — Banquet — Taking leave — Ceremony of the veil-taking — A beautiful victim — The last look — Presentation to the bishop — Reflections — Verses.

4th June.

days ago, having received a message from my nun, that a girl was about to take the veil in her convent, I went there about six o'clock, and knowing that the church on these occasions is apt to be crowded to suffocation, I proceeded to the reja, and speaking to an invisible within, requested to know in what part of the church I could have a place. Upon which a voice replied —

"Hermanita, (my sister) I am rejoiced te see you. You shall have a place beside the godmother."

"Many thanks, Hermanita. Which way shall I go?"

Voice. "You shall go through the sacristy. José Maria!"

José Maria, a thin, pale, lank individual, with hollow cheeks, who was standing near like a page in waiting, sprang forward — "Madrecita, I am here!"