will probably become my daughter, during the summer in Sorrento, whither I propose going on account of the baths. These young girls look very grave and dignified in the world, but they have between themselves many a merry little scheme; they are witty, sarcastic, and laugh at the whole world.
They now belong to my family-life on this Capitoline rock.
Of my life in society, I need merely mention one evening, when the Grand-Duchess Helena, a little inquisitive, I believe, as to the result of my retraite in the convent, sent for me to visit her. Taking me then aside she inquired what discoveries I had made, or what I had gained during my conventual trial.
“Now confess, confess a little to me!” she said, with charming curiosity.
I told her candidly, the impression which this time had produced upon me. The observations which she herself made on the subject of confession and absolution, I shall not tell you, because she expressly said:
“Don't write down for others, what I have now said to you!”
But nevertheless, I must express my sincere admiration of the pure feeling and the sure tact of this princess. And as regards confession, I must still add, that it belongs to the most ancient usages of the Waldenses church. People confess to the Barbes, from the requirement of the soul, and from old custom, and receive from them counsel and consolation; but for absolution in the sense of the Roman Catholic church, there is nothing to be said. And if the teachers of the church in general, were brought up to
