not, to an acquaintance with my blessed Saviour. My anguish there was great; but it was for a little season; and it was blessed to the saving of my body and soul, Í humbly trust, from the worm that never dies, and the fire that shall never be quenched. 19 CHAPTER XXII. "Faults in the life breed errors in the brain, Manuel's evening ride with Rosamond.—Extraordinary occurrence at supper-table.-Ils effects on Manuel.-The king of Spain abrogates the cus tom of criminals finding refuge in Churches and Convents.-The Priests act the part of Inquisitors: gamble and fight.-Criminal Priests confined in the Expulsion Room :"—their grief for the loss of their fees.— Sin is no sin if committed trusting to the Virgin Mary.- Two dollars for robbing or murdering.-Money and the Priests are the gods of the people.-Escapes from Havanna, and arrives in New York. 6. IN Havanna, the rainy season is very gloomy; and after a succession of rains the nights are usually dark as well as damp; and most people keep in-doors, and shut up close, on account of the robbers. On an evening, dark, rainy, and foggy, Manuel came without any previous intimation of his wish, driving up to my door in a volante or chaise, after evening oration; and wanted me to ride with him. I said he was crazy; but he insisted; and as he had been very unhappy for several days, weeping with wretchedness, I threw on my mantle, and went with him. People may not believe the Priests are so wretched, but they are the most unhappy beings in the world. I had more than once asked Manuel in his tears, why he wept-He replied, that it was at seeing me so unhappy. This was after I had been in the Convent, during last year, on the island. The volante was so closed that I do not know where we went; but we made several turns, and did not go outside of the gates. It was by the side of the city walls where we got out; and it rained while we rode. We entered an ancient built and furnished house; and Manuel introduced me to his commarthra, a lady upwards of forty. |