A full hour elapsed before I was sufficiently myself to examine the surrounding objects. When I did examine them, what terror filled my bosom! I found myself extended upon a sort of wicker couch: it had six handles to it, which doubtless had served the nuns to convey me to my grave. I was covered with a linen cloth, several faded flowers were strown over me. On one side lay a small wooden crucifix; on the other, a rosary of large beads. Four low narrow walls confined me. The top was also covered, and in it was practised a small grated door: through this was admitted the little air which circulated in this miserable place. A faint glimmering of light which streamed through the bars, permitted me to distinguish the surrounding horrors.
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