Page:The silent prince - a story of the Netherlands (IA cu31924008716957).pdf/171

 true faith. He placed in her hands only those books which would tend to deepen the ardor and inspire the reverence of a noble nature: books written by saints and martyrs, and the early fathers of the Church. He met and answered all her queries, and spun clever syllogisms, which seemed perfectly reasonable to his listener. The girl was young, ignorant, trustful. She had learned to look with reverence upon this holy father who took such a kind interest in her spiritual welfare, and to her innocent mind his word was both law and gospel.

The society of the convent was very congenial. Many of the nuns were daughters of noble houses, and were educated, refined gentlewomen. Katharine was completely under the influence of the Lady Abbess, and regarded her with loving admiration. She was thrown intentionally into the society of two of the Sisters: Sister Constance and Sister Theresa. Sister Constance was an accomplished musician, and Katharine, being endowed with musical abilities of a high order, gladly availed herself of the nun's instruction. Sister Theresa was the "Saint" of the convent, the one who could dream dreams and see visions. She was ordered to deepen the spiritual significance of Monseigneur Ryder's instructions, and to converse daily with the young guest on matters which pertained to the faith and requirements of the Church.

The Abbess requested the Superior of the House