George W. M. Reynolds

“ However," resumed Ursula, "it appears that a young female, whom the worldly-minded outside these sacred walls denominate beautiful, was barbarously murdered this morning—shortly after the hour of sunrise——"
"Within the precincts of Florence?" inquired the abbess.
"Within a short distance of the convent, holy mother," answered the nun. "The dreadful deed was accomplished in the garden attached to the mansion of a certain Signor Wagner, whom the worldly-minded style a young man wondrously handsome."
"A fair exterior often conceals a dark heart, daughter," said the abbess. ”

“ The nun checked herself abruptly, and glanced at Nisida, who, during the above conversation, had approached the windows which commanded a view of the convent garden, and whose back was therefore turned toward the abbess and Ursula.
"You may speak fearlessly, daughter," said the abbess; "that unfortunate lady hears you not—for she is both deaf and dumb."
"Holy Virgin succor her," exclaimed Ursula, crossing herself. "I was about to inform your ladyship," she continued, "that rumor represents the murdered woman to have been the sister of this Signor Wagner of whom I spoke ”

“ These vague and uncertain reports did not, however, prevent some of the wealthiest families in Florence from placing their daughters in the Carmelite Convent. A nobleman or opulent citizen who had several daughters, would consider it a duty to devote one of them to the service of the church ”