Page:Impressions of Spain in 1866.djvu/46

---

'provincial' of Spain. The queen takes a Kvely interest in their success, and most of the ladies of her coiui: are more or less affiliated to them. There are branch houses of these French sisters at Malaga, Granada, Barcelona, and other towns ; and they are now beginning to undertake district visiting, as well as the care of the sick and the education of children—a proceeding which they were obliged to adopt with caution, owing to the strong prejudice felt in Spain towards any religious orders being seen outside their 'clausura,' and also towards their dress, the white comette, which, to eyes unaccustomed to anything but black veils, appeared outrageous and unsuitable. The Spanish sisters of charity, though affiliated to them, following the rule of St. Vincent, and acknowledging N.T. H. P^re Etienne as their superior, still refuse to wear the comette, and substitute a simple white cap and black veil. These Spanish sisters have the charge of the magnificent Foundling Hospital, which receives upwards of 1,000 children ; of the hospital called Las Recogidas, for penitents ; of the General Hospital, where the sick are admirably cared for, and to which is attached a wing for patients of an upper class, who pay a small sum weekly, and have all the advantages of the clever surgery and careful nursing of the hospital (an