Among my many unanswered letters on file, I find yours of the 12th inst, and make it my first duty to acknowledge its receipt. My apology for not replying at an earlier date is based on a serious illness which continued for three weeks; Easter Sunday I made my first attempt at going to Chapel and Refectory, etc.; while I am not very strong, I am feeling sufficiently well to resume my accustomed duties and your earnest appeal to be admitted as a member of our Novitiate, receives my attention this A. M.
The tone of your letter pleased me very much and I doubt not that entrance to our Community can be obtained, by one so seriously desirous of consecrating her life and talents to the Divine Master, in the service of His dear poor and little ones.
Permit me to here make a few more inquiries: Have you always made your home in the vicinity of Greenfield? Are your parents living and willing you should embrace the Religious state? May you expect any assistance from them, in providing the necessary requirements during the two years of probation or do you purpose defraying, as far as you can, the expenses of Novitiate from your own savings? How long have you been engaged as teacher and what is your Certificate?
If you have contracted any engagement, you must state whether such has been properly and conscientiously nullified? If admission into another Community was asked, on what grounds did you meet with a refusal?
I am sorry you are dyspeptic, but if you are a devoted teacher, great glory can be given God in our Institute, by this work. Besides the teaching of the orphans here at the Convent, we have a large school in the City and the Separate school in Perth. Good-will oftentimes accomplishes more than robust health.
Let me hear from you again, giving answer to all I have asked and I shall then be enabled to give you the decision of the Community. Assuring you of many fervent prayers, I am, dear friend, Yours sincerely at the feet of our Risen Saviour,