Letter 376. To Dona Juana de Ahumada, Alba de Tormes, Segovia, August 26, 1581

An invitation to Avila. JESUS! May the grace of the Holy Spirit be with your Honour. ARRIVED here, Segovia, on the eve of St. Bartholomew’s day, in good health, glory be to God, though very tired on account of the bad journey. I shall stay here six or seven days to rest, and then, God willing, I shall start ot once for Avila. It would not be too much to ask Sefior Juan de Ovalle to allow you and your daughter to pay me a visit, even though it might occasion a certain amount of trouble and he might be obliged to remain to take care of the house, for he could come to see me another time. I have come back from so Jong a journey; will you beg him to grant this favour and to consider this letter as addressed to him. I am very anxious that he should show me this kindness; you could stay with Pedro de Ahumada and I would pay for the horses or mules. I have another long journey in prospeét and should by no means like to start on it without seeing you first. I feel so sure that I shall meet with no refusal that I say no more, except that I shall expect you before the eve of our Lady’s feast.

TO MOTHER MARY OF S. JOSEPH 211

Beatriz. God have them in His keeping and make you all as holy as I ask of Him! Amen. Your unworthy servant, Teresa de Jesus. As I trust in God that we shall meet soon, I say no more. Remember me most kindly to Dofia

Mayor.