Letter 260. To Roque de Huerta, Madrid, Avila, December 28, 1578

Good ?iews about the Reform. Private affairs.

JESUS be ever with your Honour, and may He make you as happy this Christmastide and new year as you have rendered me with such good news !

The letter brought by Pedro Ries made me feel very sad on Christmas day and the next day, but on St. John's feast, in the morning, another carter came with yours which cheered us extremely. God be praised for such a signal mercy! I assure you that the rest gives me little trouble now, though I should be very glad to see the two fathers set free.' I trust that having granted us this favour, God will bestow the others. May His Majesty obtain for us the separate province, as He sees its necessity.

God reward you for having told the licentiate about the money and for all your other help. I should not mind a longer delay. This will suffice until we receive an answer. When you pay the sum let me know, and I will refund it at once without fail.

I beg your Honour to give the enclosed letters into the hands of the addressees; it is necessary. Always acknowledge the letters you get from me or 1 shall feel anxious, with good reason. Remember that it is most important that all these missives should be delivered with caution. When these fathers of ours are free, the rest will trouble me little, for God will do better than we could, since the work is His. Remember me to Dona Ines and the senoras.

It is Sunday, the feast of the Innocents. Your Honour's unworthy servant, Teresa de Jesus.