Letter 206. To Juan de Ovalle, Avikj December 10, 1577

Family matters. Troubles at the Incarnation.

Jesus be vith your Honour.

HAVING little time for writing, I will only say that I am taking great pains about your business. I have written twice to Doiia Luisa and think I shall do so again as she seems tardy in answering. Icertainlvhave done and am doing all in my power. May God effect what is best for the salvation of both of you, for that is the chief thing. You need send nothing to that lady, for I fear the money has been wasted. I even grudge the expense of your journey to Toledo, for which I see no results. It would not be a bad plan to give something to her brother, who manages the affair; you would lose nothing by it, for they never know what to do unless they see some prospect of gain for themselves.

As gentlemen always spend the winter in the country, I do not know why you both dislike it so much. As you, (I mean, my sister) would have Dona Beatriz for a companion, I do not pity you. Remember me very kindly to the latter.

My health is not worse than usual, which is a great boon.

The nuns are absolved from the excommunication but are as resolute as before. Their state is worse, as the Discalced fathers have been taken away.

I do not know what will happen; I am deeply grieved, for these Calced fathers seem mad.

My brothers are well. They do not know of this letter (I mean from the messenger) though they may have learnt of it elsewhere.

Teresa has no fever, but a cold. May God be ever with you all.

To-day is December lo.

Your unworthy servant, Teresa de Jesus.