BOOK SIXTH: Petit Picpus

Summary

The story of the Convent. It is an ancient order known as the “Benardines of the Obedience of Martin Vega.” The order of nuns was known as the most severe, second only to the Carmelites. They dressed in severe and extremely uncomfortable haircloth chemises that caused blisters and fevers. They denied themselves all meat, any association with men-including their own priest, and performed extreme prayer rituals.

In spite of the self-imposed restrictions of the nuns, they maintain a school for girls which seems quite tolerant in spite of the rules. The girls find ways to have little pleasures for themselves, while the nuns appear to look the other way. The hope of the sisters is that the girls will eventually join the order.

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