Page:Life in Mexico vol 1.djvu/320

300 all was, that wishing to display her fine voice to the public, they made her sing a hymn alone, on her knees, her arms extended in the form of a cross, before all the immense crowd; "Ancilla Cristi Sum," "The Bride of Christ I am." She was a good-looking girl, fat and comely, who would probably have led a comfortable life in the world, for which she seemed well fitted; most likely without one touch of romance or enthusiasm in her composition; but having the unfortunate honor of being niece to two chanoines, she was thus honorably provided for without expense, in her nineteenth year. As might be expected, her voice faltered, and instead of singing, she seemed inclined to cry out. Each note came slowly, heavily, tremblingly; and at last she nearly fell forward exhausted, when two of the sisters caught and supported her.

I had almost made up my mind to see no more such scenes, which, unlike pulque and bull-fights, I dislike more and more upon trial; when we received an invitation, which it was not easy to refuse, but was the more painful to accept, being acquainted, though slightly, with the victim. I send you the printed note of invitation.

"On Wednesday, the of this month, at six o'clock in the evening, my daughter, Doña  Maria de la Concepcion, Pe, will assume the habit of a Nun of the choir and the black veil in the Convent of Our Lady of the Incarnation. I have the honor to inform you of this, entreating you to cooperate with your presence, in the solemnity of this