frivolities of any kind to be mentioned. His days were spent in reading pious books, and his conversation was wholly upon the infinite perfections of God, and the fleeting vanities of the world. Some of these pious books the good old man persuaded his niece to read aloud to him; and, as she afterwards confessed, this was not at that time a very congenial occupation. “These books,” she writes, “he made me read to him; and though I did not much like them, I appeared as though I did.” Poor, vain little Theresa could not be happy unless she pleased those whom she was with. Her loving, lovable nature craved the approbation and approval of others, and was at the mercy of those who surrounded her. At first, then, she “appeared” interested in her uncle’s religious reading to please him, and in a very short time the books he put into her hands really touched her tender, impressionable heart.
Don Pedro himself was about this time considering the question of giving up all his worldly possessions and becoming a monk.
