“In this book is the criminal code, with all the punishments for every supposed crime; also the mode of conducting the trial, so as to elicit the guilt of the accused; and the manner of receiving accusations.  I had this book in my hand on one occasion, and read therein the proceedings relative to my own case; and I moreover saw in this same volume some very astounding particulars; for example, in the list of punishments I read concerning the bit, or as it is called by us the mordacchia, which is a very simple contrivance to confine the tongue, and compress it between two cylinders composed of iron and wood and furnished with spikes.  This horrible instrument not only wounds the tongue and occasions excessive pain, but also, from the swelling it produces; frequently places the sufferer in danger of suffocation.  This torture is generally had recourse to in cases considered as blasphemy against God, the Virgin, the Saints, or the Pope.  So that according to the Inquisition, it is as great a crime to speak disparagingly of a pope, who may be a very detestable character, as to blaspheme the holy name of God.  Be that as it may, this torture has been in use till the present period; and, to say nothing of the exhibitions of this nature which were displayed in Romanga, in the time of Gregory 16th., by the Inquisitor Ancarani—­in Umbria by Stefanelli, Salva, and others, we may admire the inquisitorial seal of Cardinal Feretti, the cousin of his present holiness, who condescended more than once to employ these means when he was bishop of Rieti and Fermo.”  Dealings with the Inquisition, by the Rev. Giacinto Achilli D. D., late Prior and Visitor of the Dominican Order, Head Professor of Theology and Vicar of the master of the Sacred Apostolic Palace, etc., etc., page 81.]

Our curiosity being satisfied as far as possible, we returned to the side room, where we waited long for the lady Superior.  When at length she came, she turned to me first, as I sat next the door, and asked me if I had anything to show in proof of my former good character.  I gave her my card; she looked at it, and led me to the other side of the room.  The same question was asked of every girl in turn, when it was found that only four beside myself had cards of good behavior.  The other six presented cards which she said were for bad behavior.  They were all placed together on the other side of the room; and as the Superior was about to lead them away, one of them came towards us saying that she did not wish to stay with those girls, she would rather go with us.  The Superior drew her back, and replied, “No, child; you cannot go with those good girls; you would soon learn them some of your naughty ways.  If you will do wrong, you must take the consequences.”  Then, seeing that the child really felt very bad, she said, in a kinder tone, “When you learn to do right, you shall be allowed to go with good girls, but not before.”  I pitied the poor child, and for a long time I hoped to see her come to our room; but she never came.  They were all led off together, and that was the last I ever saw of any of them.