She had not forgotten the stories whispered to her childhood, of dreadful fates reserved for contumacious and disobedient women.

Whenever Fray Ignatius looked at her she felt as if she were within the shadow of the Inquisition.
Never had days passed so wearily and anxiously.

Never had nights been so terrible.

The sisters did not dare to talk much together; they doubted Rachela; they were sure their words were listened to and repeated.
They were not permitted to be alone with the Senora.

Fray Ignatius had particularly warned Rachela to prevent this.