Summary

Over the years, Lucia continued her work. Her mission “was valued highly by some and ignored by others” (284).

The first time Lucia felt “maternal feelings,” was when she met Ada (285). She and Carnality are her greatest accomplishments (285). One day, Ada’s father brought Ada to the convent. Ada had lost her virginity and swore she was pregnant with “a holy child” (287). Lucia discerned that she was not pregnant, but offered Ada a place at the convent. She was moved by Ada’s “special . . . temperament,” desperate to teach her (288). Ada’s father consented.

Lucia failed “to take Ada’s mother into account” (293). She arrived at the convent one day, accusing Lucia of stealing her daughter. Before leaving, Ada’s mother told Lucia that Ada was defective, refusing to explain further.

Over the years, Lucia taught Ada “the art of living, the art of...