eodosius. The father, who by this time had
pretty well composed himself, burst out again in tears upon hearing that
name to which he had been so long disused, and upon receiving this
instance of an unparalleled fidelity from one who he thought had several
years since given herself up to the possession of another. Amidst the
interruptions of his sorrow, seeing his penitent overwhelmed with grief,
he was only able to bid her from time to time be comforted--to tell her
that her sins were forgiven her--that her guilt was not so great as she
apprehended--that she should not suffer herself to be afflicted above
measure. After which he recovered himself enough to give her the
absolution in form: directing her at the same time to repair to him again
the next day, that he might encourage her in the pious resolution she had
taken, and give her suitable exhortations for her behaviour in it.
Constantia retired, and the next morning renewed her applications.
Theodosius, having manned his soul with proper thoughts and reflections,
exerted himself on this occasion in the best manner he could to animate
his penitent in the course of life she was entering upon, and wear out of
her mind those groundless fears and apprehensions which had taken
possession of it; concluding with a promise to her, that he would from
time to time continue his admonitions when she should have taken upon her
the holy veil. "The rules of our respective orders," says he, "will not
permit that I should see you; but you may assure yourself not only of
having a place in my prayers, but of receiving such frequent instructions
as I can convey to you by letters. Go on cheerfully in the glorious
course you have undertaken, and you will quickly find such a peace and
satisfaction in your mind which it is not in the power of the world to
give."

Constantia's heart was so elevated within the discourse of Father
Francis, that the very next day she entered upon her vow. As soon as the
solemnities of her reception were over, she retired, as it is usual, with
the abbess into her own apartment.

The abbess had been informed the night before of all that had passed
between her novitiate and father Francis: from whom she now delivered to
her the following letter:--

"As the first-fruits of those joys and consolations which you may
expect from the life you are now engaged in, I must acquaint you that
Theodosius, whose death sits so heavy upon your thoughts, is still