"I only fear," said the Abbess, and her hand sought the Rosary which was no longer there, "that you will drive these young souls into a fanaticism, which can do injury to the sanitudo corporis. These young ladies have not been entrusted to me, to be turned into visionaries."
"When the Domina of this Convent notices evil consequences," replied Paul submissively, "she is always at liberty to order these exercitia to be broken off. I am quite certain, noble lady, that so soon as you experience the blessing, which is to be found in this little book, you will yourself as well as all the other ladies attend these exercitia."
"Well then, in God's name. How do you wish to manage the affair?"
"According to the prescription of the holy Ignatius, the person shall thoroughly study in his private closet at a quiet hour of the morning or evening one of the passages marked here. Doors and windows must be closed, the light of day must be shut out. Kneeling on his knees must the penitent give his whole soul up to the narrative of the stories, which are here marked out with short strokes. I will read out these extracts to the young ladies, and beg them to remain in a position of worship, till the object of the exercise has been obtained."
"These exercises cannot take place in the rooms, you must use the Church."
"In that case," replied Paolo, "the Church must remain closed, and the light must be subdued. All impressions likely to distract are to be avoided, otherwise the real compilation is impossible."
"I will close the outer doors," said the Abbess, "those leading to my passage must remain open, so that I can go in and out. I shall not disturb you."
Paolo bowed. "When do you wish to begin?"
"At sunset."
It now struck the good Domina, that the dark Neapolitan had declared as the fittest implements of the church the three fairest children of the Odenwald, but she suppressed her suspicions, went to the young girls, and informed them that the Magister intended holding special evening prayer services for the promotion of their souls' welfare. Did they acquiesce, they must remain behind in the church after Vespers. The three maidens blushed, but none refused.