was doubtful for what reason the people had this intention. This was in November, four months after the taking of the Bastille, which was the beginning of the depredations caused by the Revolution. The convent being in the neighbourhood of the Bastille, on its being set on fire, their sick, particularly the Reverend Mother Prioress, who then lay in a dying state, were greatly alarmed by the firing of guns, shoutings, drumming, &c., which continued day and night for some weeks. The smoke and blazing of the flames were terrifying to all, so that the nuns had much to do to support their courage and compose the minds of their sick. The Assembly of the States then gave orders for the church-doors of the convents to be shut, and this, indeed, the religious found very agreeable. But then came the mobs, consisting of the worst sort of people, who surrounded the convent. The nuns, not knowing what to do, sent out to them in a kind manner to know if they wished for any refreshment and it should be given to them. This pleased them, and after having taken plenty they dispersed, without using any violence.
Then came orders from the parish that no Mass was to be said in the church of the convent by any priest, except he had faculties from the "intruding curate." But this order the community positively refused to obey, saying they neither could nor would acknowledge any other authority than their own Archbishop, who was not then in Paris. And it is remarkable that they were not offended, but went away in a respectful manner and assured the nuns of their protection. Next came the curate of the parish, desiring that the usual preparations should be made, it being within the Octave of the Feast of Corpus Christi, when the procession is made to all the convents in each parish. The nuns said their church-doors were shut by the orders of the Municipality. He
