Letter (number unidentified). To Doña Maria de Mendoza, Valladolid, Avila, St. Joseph's convent, November, 1574

The Saint longs to see her. Praise of Father Pedro Hernandez. Two postulants. Father Domingo BaFiez eleBed Prior of Truxillo.

Jesus be with your Ladyship!

WHEN your letter was given to me I had already written the one enclosed. I kiss your hand again and again to thank you for the trouble your kindness has cost you: it is nothing new on your part.

My health has been very bad since I came here but is better now, and as I am near his Lordship anything can be borne, although it would comfort me still more to enjoy your company as well, for there are many things about which I should like to talk to you. But there are several reasons for believing that we shall not meet as soon as I expedied.

They write telling me that you will discuss these matters with the Father Visitor, of which I am glad. He is strongly attached to you. I was pleased to hear how aífeÁionately he spoke of you, so that 1 think he will carry out your wishes. I entreat you to be friendly with him and as gracious as you always are to such people for he is our chief superior, and his soul must be precious in God's sight.

As regards the postulants, I know that you wished to please me by deferring their entry, but as Father Suarez the Jesuit, who was charged with interviewing them and explaining the Rules of our Order, states that they are suitable, there is no reason for delay. Will you, therefore, apply for permission to the Father Provincial" and tell the nuns to receive them, or else ask leave of the Father Visitor who would grant it at once. I am on better terms with him than with the Father Provincial, who, often as I write to him, never answers me.

" Don Alvaro de Mendoza.

I am sorry that the Lady Abbess is ill. God be praised. Who never lets you be long without trials of one kind or another! All here have prayed for both of you, as our love incites us to do. God grant your malady may not be serious and that you may soon be well ! All the sisters kiss your Ladyship's hands.

They tell me you are making great progress in the spiritual life: it is no news to me, but I should like to be nearer to you, and were I not what I am, I should delight in talking to you about such matters. The Father Visitor brings me fresh life, for I do not think he will be deceived about me as every one else is, because God makes him realize how wicked I am — in fad:, he deteóls imperfections in me at every step. It is an immense comfort to me, and I take care to let him know my faults. It is a great relief to be frank with one who stands to us in the place of God, and this I shall be, as long as I have to deal with him.

You know that Fray Domingo is quitting us for Truxillo, where he has been eleded Prior. The Dominicans of Salamanca have written to their Father Provincial begging him to leave Fray Domingo there; his answer has not been made known. The climate of Truxillo would try his health. When you meet the Dominican Provincial will you scold him for not calling on me at Salamanca, where he stayed several days. To tell the truth, I do not like him much. But as this letter, with the one enclosed, will tire you, I will say no more. I have so enjoyed a chat with you that I did not notice how long my letter was. Your Ladyship's unworthy servant and subjedt, Teresa de Jesus, Carmelite.