Letter (number unidentified). To Don Lorenzo de Cepeda, la Serna, Toledo, April 15, 1580

Pedro de Ahumada. Lorenzo's domestic affairs.

Jesus be with your Honour. fa S you will have already received my long letter about Pedro de Ahumada, I will only beg you to reply quickly and to give your answer to the Mother Prioress, as people often come shere from Avila. Our poor brother is here spending his money; he must be very miserable for he looks most dejected. I should be extremely sorry if your answer did not arrive before my departure which, I believe, will shortly take place. My health is better: the illnéss must have been the after effects of my former complaints and was not to be surprised at: in fact, it is more surprising that I did not feel worse. I think my health was better at Avila because I had not so many letters and business affairs.

We have heard from Rome again: matters are going on very well indeed though there is no lack of obstacles in the way. Pray for these affairs and for Pedro de Ahumada, asking His Majesty to give you light to decide as is best.

trifle. I do not know who could bear with him and treat him with such nicety. His humour is terrible—it is bad for him and for every one else. God grant you the favour I ask of Him: that our brother may not return to your house. I wish all other means to be sought for his welfare, so that, if he dies, neither of us will have to reproach ourselves.

Remember me very kindly to Don Francisco and Aranda. May God have you in His keeping and make you very holy. Amen. Why do vou not tell me how you are getting on in your solitude?

To-day is April rs. Your Honour’s servant, _ Teresa de Jesus.