rlet cloth,
bound with dark brown edges, and of a graceful form, figures on the
portion which covers the left arm from the shoulder to the elbow. The
white cap, gathered all over into minute plaits, rises into two parallel
ridges, which passing over to the back of the head, imitate the form of
a helmet. Two large lappets descend to the shoulders and complete the
costume, which is entirely white, with the exception of the cross. In
walking round the choir to display to us the effect of this dress, the
fair _santiagista_ was a model of majesty and grace.

To judge from her replies to our questions, it would appear that the
system of softening the severity of monastic seclusion, and of partial
and occasional communication with the beings of the outer world, instead
of producing more contentment in the minds of the recluses, may possibly
tend to unsettle them, and render them more dissatisfied with their lot.
When asked how long she had inhabited the convent, she replied with an
unrestrained and most pathetic inflation of the chest, more eloquent
than the loudest complaint--"A very long time; nearly twenty years." The
white mantle, she told us, was an object the sight of which always gave
birth to serious reflections; since it was destined not even to quit her
after death, but to serve also for her shroud.

[Illustration: COSTUME OF A MILITARY NUN.]

The nun's choir is entirely separated from the public chapel, with the
exception of two gratings, which admit to the latter the sound of the
organ, and through which the nuns have a better view of the church than
the public can obtain of the choir, this being less lighted, and on a
lower level. Near the choir a small oratory of no greater dimensions
than about seven feet square, appears to be the only remains extant of
the Arab buildings, which occupied the site. The ceiling is
hemispherical, and ornamented in the Arab style; and one of the walls
contains a niche surrounded by Arab tracery. I should mention likewise a
fountain in the garden, which bears a similar character.

These nuns live less in community with each other than those of other
convents; in fact, their life resembles in many respects that of
independent single ladies. Each inhabits her own suite of apartments,
and keeps her own servant. Her solitary repasts are prepared in her own
separate kitchen, and at the hour chosen by herself. Once a-year only,
on the occasion of the festival of the patron Apostle, the