Letter (number unidentified). To Doña Catalina de Hurtado, Toledo, Avila, October, 1570

Thanks for a present.

JESUS ! May the grace of the Holv Ghost be with you and may He have you in His keeping for me! Amen. And may He reward you for your care and kindness to me!

THE butter tasted very nice, as it was sure to, coming from you for you spoil me in every way, so I accept it on the condition that you remember me when you have any more particularly fine, as it does me great good. The quinces, too, were delicious— it seems as though you had nothing else to do but to give me pleasure. It was a pleasure indeed to get a letter from you and to know that you are well. My own health is not very satisfactory: I am suffering from toothache and my face is slightly swollen so that some one else is writing for me; however I do not think there is much the matter with me.

Pray for me, and believe me, it is no small joy to me to own such a daughter as you have been and always will be, and I shall be sure to pray for you as the sisters are doing. The community kiss your hands, particularly the Mother Sub- Prioress, who is greatly indebted to you. Pray for her, as her health is very bad. May God have you in His keeping for me and give you His Holy Spirit ! This is the last day of October.

I earnestly beg the prayers of the señoras, your sisters. God grant good health to the one who is ill, and to you too, my daughter, as I askof Him! Your unworthy servant,

Teresa de Jesus.