He was then asked his opinion of a monastic life: He replied in terms of high estimation and respect for it.

Upon this, the Prioress told him that his obtaining an entrance into a religious order was not impossible; that her recommendation would not permit his poverty to be an obstacle, and that if She found him deserving it, He might depend in future upon her protection.
Theodore assured her that to merit her favour would be his highest ambition; and having ordered him to return next day, when She would talk with him further, the Domina quitted the Parlour.
The Nuns, whom respect for the Superior had till then kept silent, now crowded all together to the Grate, and assailed the Youth with a multitude of questions.

He had already examined each with attention: Alas! Agnes was not amongst them.

The Nuns heaped question upon question so thickly that it was scarcely possible for him to reply.
One asked where He was born, since his accent declared him to be a Foreigner: Another wanted to know, why He wore a patch upon his left eye: Sister Helena enquired whether He had not a Sister like him, because She should like such a Companion; and Sister Rachael was fully persuaded that the Brother would be the pleasanter Companion of the Two.

Theodore amused himself with retailing to the credulous Nuns for truths all the strange stories which his imagination could invent.