Letter 33. To Doña Juana de Ahumada, the Saint's Sister, at Galinduste, Convent of the Incarnation, Avila, February 4, 1572

The Sainfs ill-health. Trouble at Alba de Toi'mes, Family matters.

Jesus be with you !

YOU seem in the other world when you are at Galinduste. God deliver me from such a place and from this place too for I lost my health almost dire(5tly after I arrived and omitted writing so as not to tell you of it. I had the fever several times before Christmas, and my throat was affected. I have had quartan ague since Kingstide although I did not lose my appetite, and when free from fever I did not miss choir and went to the refectory occasionally. I do not think the ague will last much longer. Seeing what a change for the better God has brought about in this house, I force myself to keep out of bed except when I have the fever, which is every night. The shivering fit begins at two o'clock in the morning but is not severe. All else goes well, in spite of my cares and occupations. I do not know how I am able to bear them. Letters are the most troublesome. I wrote four to the Indies as the fleet was starting. Your indifference astonishes me, knowing mv troubles as vou do. I have been expe(fting Señor Juan de Ovalle every day, because they said he must pass through Avila on his way to Madrid, and I had to forward something of the utmost importance for which mv brother asked me. Now it is too late, and I do not know what to think of vou. You imagine that matters will arrange themselves; the thing cannot fail to make a bad impression.

I have been told that it is Señor Juan de Ovalle and Señor Gonzalo de Ovalle who are opposing the yielding of a small pathway to the convent. I cannot believe it. I do not wish to contend about the matter, which always looks bad when women are concerned, even when there is good reason for it. A dispute would be most derogator) to these gentlemen especially as the business relates to me. 1 am certain that the nuns have done no harm intentionally, though their simplicity may have led them into making some mistake. Let me know about it for, as I said, the report mav be false.

Do not trouble yourself about my illness as I do not expecfl it to become serious. At all events, if it costs me dear, it hinders mv work very little.

I miss you extremely and feel lonely. I am in want of a few reales as the convent only furnishes me with bread. Try to send me the money. I kiss the hands of the señores and of my Beatriz, whom I should be very glad to see here. I have heard that Gonzalvo is well: God have him in His keeping ! Fray Garcia wrote, telling me that Augustin is with the Viceroy. My brother married his two nieces well; before he left he got them out of their difficulties. Midnight is about to strike; I am very tired and will say no more. Yesterday was the feast of St. Blasius: the day before was our Lady's.

Your very faithful servant,

Teresa de Jesus.