To Abbesse Felicitata
Les Filles du St Sacrement
Rue St Claude
Paris

Reverend Mother,

Thank you for acquainting me with the latest developments regarding your
newest guest, la Comtesse de Mylcandonai (or Lay Sister Sue as she wishes
to be known at the moment).

I was pleased to learn that she seems to be showing some small improvement
following her unfortunate ordeal. It was indeed a blessing that the effects
of the noxious potions administered to the poor child by that thrice damned
agent of Spain were not permanent, and that she was able to recognise
people once more (rather than keep slipping in and out of delirium) so soon
after coming into your care.

It is obvious from the letter she herself sent to me recently that she is
still deeply troubled by her recent experiences, however. I have the Papal
Annulment she requested to hand at this very moment, but wish to refrain
from giving it to her until I am quite certain that this is what she really
wants. The poor child still seems to blame herself for the recent
unfortunate events which befell her, despite all the evidence suggesting
otherwise, and seems unbearably distressed at the thought of the shame she
feels she has brought to her husband. I would suggest keeping her well away
from sharp instruments and having at least one of the sisters stay with her
at all times, so that no rash act of remorse might put her immortal soul in
peril.

I feel that the best course for now would be to continue to keep her
cloistered and away from visitors for quite awhile so as to give both the
poor innocent child and myself some further time to consider the situation.

Yours in Christ,

Cardinal Ximenez

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