Letter 297. To Father Gracian, Alcala, Malagon, December 15, 1579

Foundations at Villanueva and Arenas. 'The des-patches sent to Rome. Velascds daughter as novice.

JESUS!

May the grace of the Holy Spirit be with your

Paternity.

FATHER Prior of la Roda came here; I cannot tell why, though he wished to discuss the foundation of a convent at Villanueva de la Jara, I have thoroughly investigated the matter and find that it would be the most foolish thing in the world to think of such a projecfl. Fray Antonio de Jesus has decided that it is to be done. I have appealed strongly to his conscience and Fray Gabriel's about it, but cannot say what they will decide.

Fray Antonio wishes to settle about Dona Isabel Osorio, whose sister he sent to Toledo,' but Father Nicolas and I have already made arrangements with her. Fray Gabriel showed in a better light than ever, evincing a simplicity on certain points that astonished me. He has been made definitor as a great compliment to the Discalced, the Father Vicar tells me : at least, he hinted at this motive. I really cannot see how it can harm the Calced,

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ST. TERESA'S LETTERS nor how Fray Gabriel can be blamed if he has been eleded, that the thing should be kept so secret. Don Luis Manrique informed Fray Gabriel that the despatches have been forwarded to Rome. I asked him whether they were to be held back for the general Chapter, but he said that by the King's request they were not to be delayed. The father was only here for one day ; he thought I was at Toledo, and, not finding me there, came here.

I am amused at Paul's pride: what a time for it! He need not fear that it pains me or that it hurts himself: he would be foolish, and that he is not. Has he forgotten the well with aquedudts that refilled it as it was emptied?' I remember our pleasant journey together from Toledo to Avila, which did not tire me in the least. Happiness is a great thing and Paul's letter seems to bring me rest amidst my work: will your Paternity thank him for it.

I do not think I can stay here for the whole of January, though the place suits me well enough as I am not so beset with letters and business matters. The Father Vicar is so anxious about making the foundation at Arenas and meeting me there, that I exped: he will tell me to settle things quickly here. In fadt, the greater part of my work is done. You could not believe how much I owe to him: his kindness to me is extreme. I assure you that I shall still feel very grateful to him, even after his time of office has expired.

Read this letter from the good Velasco. If his sister is not very much in earnest about becoming a nun, yet wishes to enter the convent, be cautious about concluding the arrangement, because I should be exceedingly sorry to hurt Velasco's feelings as I like him very much and am most happy at his filling his present post. I believe that we owe all our advantages to him, to the Father Master Fray Pedro Hernandez, and to Don Luis.'' May God bless your Paternity, my Father, and preserve you for many years to come. Amen.

To-day is December 12. I wish you a happy Christmas and growth in sanctity.

Your Paternity's loyal daughter and subjed:, Teresa de Jesus.

"Juan Lopez de Velasco, a native of Vinuesa, court chronicler of Philip II and secretary to the treasury. By the king's order, he assisted at the Chapter of the separation of provinces held at Alcala in 1581.

'' As already stated, Pedro Hernandez and Luis Manrique were two of the assessors.