Chapter 10 Summary

The nuns of Sant Clara are frantically cleaning the convent in anticipation of Severo's arrival. Josefa works hard in the sweltering sun, and tells Sor Coloma that she does not mind working, when everyone is working. Josefa also says she likes Sant Clara, because the nuns are kind, like mothers.

Josefa is sent to watch for Severo's arrival and alert the nuns, when she sees him. Severo and Rafal carry a large basket between their horses, and they leave the unopened basket in the shade until dusk. Severo tells the old abbess, who has poor vision, that he has brought the nuns a child to train. He gives her strict instructions that the child must not be taught anything about God, as he wants to find out whether knowledge of God is innate. The abbess protests, saying children learn best from other children...