To Countess Virginia Cambray Digny, Florence
E II 854
He replies to the letter from the correspondent who had asked him for information about a girl known by her son, a soldier, in Turin.
Turin, 20 September 1865
Distinguished Countess,
Delays do not pay debts, and I am a little late in replying to your very polite letter of 17 August last.
First of all, thank you for taking our poor young people under your wing. We will certainly support your holy wish by praying for you and your respectable family.
I was greatly consoled when I read that you deign to pray for poor me when you attend Holy Mass. I will endeavour to repay this great kindness in some way by offering a special prayer for you when God grants me the opportunity to celebrate Holy Mass.
As for the person you asked me about, here is what I can tell you based on information from people who frequent that house. An honourable, upright family, but very fond of worldly things. The young woman is attractive, well-brought up, fond of pastimes, but religious. She attends to matters of piety. They assure me that she does not let three months go by without receiving the Holy Sacraments. If the negotiations continue and you require further information, I will be happy to provide it.
So far, I have not had the pleasure of seeing your son again; perhaps he came by when I was out, or was unable to visit before his departure.
May the Blessed Virgin bless you and your family, fill you all with heavenly blessings, and protect you from the evil that threatens our districts. Please believe me that with sentiments of my most sincere gratitude I am
Your Distinguished Countess’s
poor but most obliged servant
