The weekly ledger., 1857-10-03
THE DEAD NUNS.


surrounded a large DruidcaI temple still
standing. This abbey was founded by the
lady Devorgilda, daughter of Allan, Lord of
Galloway, who died, A. D. 1869.
In times past Hollywood was a famous
nunnery, and for ages served as retreat for
noble ladies from all parts of the Scottish
empire. Only the church edifce to the con-
vent is still standing.
Though, as we have stated according to
the most authentic sources, the daughter of
lord of Galloway was the founder of the
structure about the middle of the thirteenth
century, there are vague traditions afoat of
the Abbey having been the abode of certain
falr recluses, at least eight centuries previous
to that period and it was even said the con-
vent then built was erected on the ruins of
former and far more ancient edifce 1t is of
these ladies, that era, and this edfce, that
the subsequent legend treats
| In ancient days-centuries before the
foundation of the last nunnery--a convent of
noble Scottish ladies existed
They were twelve in number exclusive of
the superior
At this era the Picts devastated the south
ern part Of Scotland The barbarians were
then encamped in the charming Vale of NTH,
and their approach to Hollywood was momen-
tarily expected
| 1t is far easier to imagine than to tell the
horror of the fair recluses of Hollywood, at
the nearness of such ruthless neighbors as
the Picts
They thought to fly. But whittier could
they goY Where might they not expect to
encounter the powerful foe from whom they
fled
Poor maidens! In their dire extremity.
they betook themselves to prayer; and from
sun-down to midnight, on the Sabbath eve,
did they remain on their knees in the chapel
OF the convent, pouring forth the. wishes of
their gentle hearts, and supplicating the as
sstance of that gentle God who never yet
deserted those who put their trust in him. 1t
was touching sight to see their sorrowful
but still most lovely countenances, lit up by
the dim lamps OF the place, turned upwards
In faith and hope to the Father of Heaven.
just as the midnight hour had ceased
sounding from the turret of the cioister, a
loud knocking was heard at the outer gate.
The sisters started from their knees and look
ed aghast. They deemed it was the enemy
whom they dreaded far more than death;
and for moment their confidence in the pro-
tecting power Of Heaven was shaken. But
1t was only for moment; soon the porteress
came and told the abbess that it was only
poor old man who had frightened them, and
that he come to pray shelter from the storm
that ragged fearfully without
Let him be at once admittedp said the
abbess. "Be he friend or be he foe, in such
a night as this he shall have protection"
A venerable, grey-headed long-bearded
ancient, garbed in long, dark, flowing robe,
soon entered the chapel.
Father" said the abbess, "you are well
come. We pray God for succor. Will you
join with us?"
willingly" said the old man, most will
lingly"
They prayed fervently together
They then passed to the refectory of the
ancient convent, and when they had par
taken of refreshments, the old man thus said
to the abbess
"Fain would know, holy mother, what
mars your repose. Mayhap can assist
you"
The abbess told him all--her hopes and
her fears, their dread and danger of worse
than death-of that infinitely worse than
death
"Be comforted," said the old man; ''you
have helped me in my need. | will now as
sist you in your tribulation. Listen, my
children"
They gathered around him.
Prepare ye thirteen collins, and with all
haste"
The nuns looked aghast.
"Place them six and six, side by side, down
the aisle of the chapel; and let the seventh,
for the abbess, be laid at the affairs foot"
The abbess shuddered, and uttered a pray
er for mercy.
"And when the foe approaches, said the
calm old man, ''wreathe your hair with the
fairest flowers and then lay yourselves down
in them-every one as though she were
dead"
Lord have mercy on us-Christ have
mercy on us!" cried the abbess
Lord have mercy on u.s." responded the
sisters, appalled, beyond measure at these
strange instructions.
II will be with you in the moment of dan
ger" said the old man with a sweet SMILE
"When the foe forces this sanctuary, then
shall ye see me again. Bless ye all until that
hour Adieup
They retired for the night. The next
morning the abbess sought for the old man
but sought in vain; he had departed before
the dawn. But she did not neglect his coun-
sci; the coffns were made and placed as he
had directed.
Within week from that day the Picts
were in the neighborhood.
1t was midnight when the foe first burst
upon that hitherto peaceful solitude Wild