Letter 396. To Dona Beatriz de Mendoza y Castilla, Mother-In-Law of Don Francisco. Madrid, Avila, about December 4, 1581

Suggestions that a mutual agreement should be come to about Lorenzo's will instead of going to law.

JESUS! | May the grace of the Holy Spirit be with your

Honour for ever.

[ BELIEVE that when I asked you not to write to me I only meant concerning this business,? for it would be absurd not to say that your letters are an honour to me, as I thoroughly realize whenever I receive one. But I am deeply pained when they ask me to do what my conscience forbids, and when they mention actions on the part of Don Francisco which others besides myself consider wrong. 4s people assure you to the contrary, you cannot but doubt my good-will, which pains me extremely, so I am exceedingly anxious that the matter should be settled. May our Lord dire@ it as is most to His service, which is what your Honour desires: and never has the first movement of any other motive passed through my mind. Iam always anxious to please you and I appreciate the high qualities of Dofia Oroftisia.

LEN POON EBS FeO,

TO DONA BEATRIZ DE MENDOZA 263

It is true, as you say, that I wrote saying that our Lord would give her children;? I repeat it and trust in His Majesty that He will. I never attached much importance to the pretentions of which Pedro de Ahumada speaks, nor do I now. I am s0 tired of interfering in these matters that, were I not told that I am in conscience bound to it, I should leave them entirely alone. In fact, I had determined to doso, had not Peralvarez‘ declared that you thought it would be neglectful of me as the question affected St. Joseph’s. As, for my sins, I am prioress there, I own that you are right, and that the convent ought to assert its claims so that the chapel may be built without delay. Several lawyers have told me that, even if the children of my brother (may he be in glory!) should set aside the will because no one knows who opened it, our house has such strong claims that there would be a long lawsuit. You are wise in desiring a full explanation, for it is a terrible thing and a heavy expense to have recourse to lawyers. May our Lord direct the matter aright as He can do, and may He preserve you for many a year for the solace of your children. Amen.

Your unworthy servant and subject, Teresa de Jesus.

Sister Teresa de Jesus kisses your hands. I trust in God that before long we two shall be able to do so in person.’ We both of us desire to be very warmly remembered to Don Francisco.

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