a full stop; having something yet to say, but not
knowing how to express myself with the necessary delicacy.

"'Why do you wish me to read the letter?' she asked, quietly.

"I think there is something in it which might--.'

"There, like a fool, I came to another full stop. She was as patient as
ever; she only made a little sign to me to go on.

"'I think Father Patrizio's letter might put you in a better frame of
mind,' I said; 'it might keep you from despising yourself.'

"She went back to her chair, and read the letter. You have permitted
me to keep the comforting words of the good Father, among my other
treasures. I copy his letter for you in this place--so that you may read
it again, and see what I had in my mind, and understand how it affected
poor Miss Minerva.

"'Teresa, my well-beloved friend,--I have considered the anxieties that
trouble you, with this result: that I can do my best, conscientiously,
to quiet your mind. I have had the experience of forty years in the
duties of the priesthood. In that long time, the innermost secrets of
thousands of men and women have been confided to me. From such means of
observation, I have drawn many useful conclusions; and some of them may
be also useful to you. I will put what I have to say, in the plainest
and fewest words: consider them carefully, on your side. The growth of
the better nature, in women, is perfected by one influence--and that
influence is Love. Are you surprised that a priest should write in this
way? Did you expect me to say, Religion? Love, my sister, _is_ Religion,
in women. It opens their hearts to all that is good for them; and it
acts independently of the conditions of human happiness. A miserable
woman, tormented by hopeless love, is still the better and the nobler
for that love; and a time will surely come when she will show it. You
have fears for Carmina--cast away, poor soul, among strangers with hard
hearts! I tell you to have no fears. She may suffer under trials; she
may sink under trials. But the strength to rise again is in her--and
that strength is Love.'

"Having read our old friend's letter, Miss Minerva turned back, and read
it again--and waited a little, repeating some part of it to herself.

"'Does it encourage you?' I asked.

"She handed the letter back to me. 'I have got one sentence in it by
heart,' she said.

"You will know what that sentence is, without my telling you. I felt
so relieved, when I saw the change in her f