At the outset of the proceedings I had communicated with the
principals of the various Houses of Refuge in this city, and,
although the authorities had done their utmost to facilitate our
search, so far we had failed to advance in any way. At this time,
however, I received a communication from the Bishop, informing me
that he thought he could help us, and when I called on him,
accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Hartley, he told us that he had been
visited by a hardened creature, whose name did not concern us, and
who, in anticipation of a reward which she had heard was offered for
the recovery of the recluse, disclosed the fact that she had, under
an assumed name, become a sister of charity, and was at present an
inmate in a convent in ---- street, where we would, doubtless, be
able to recognize her.
Beatrice became quite excited at the news, and insisted on rushing
off at once, but her strength failed her, and she fell fainting on a
sofa. By great persuasion she allowed us to drive her home on the
promise that she would be allowed to accompany us on the morrow. The
next day we entered a carriage and drove to the Convent; we agreed
that Beatrice should go alone to meet her mother while we remained
downstairs. Running into the room where her mother was, the poor
girl fell on her neck and covered her with kisses.
Pages:
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171