From amongst these cloaks, and behind that curtain, the Nun was said to issue.

I did not believe this, nor was I troubled by apprehension thereof; but I saw a very dark and large rat, with a long tail, come gliding out from that squalid alcove; and, moreover, my eye fell on many a black-beetle, dotting the floor.
These objects discomposed me more, perhaps, than it would be wise to say, as also did the dust, lumber, and stifling heat of the place.

The last inconvenience would soon have become intolerable, had I not found means to open and prop up the skylight, thus admitting some freshness.
Underneath this aperture I pushed a large empty chest, and having mounted upon it a smaller box, and wiped from both the dust, I gathered my dress (my best, the reader must remember, and therefore a legitimate object of care) fastidiously around me, ascended this species of extempore throne, and being seated, commenced the acquisition of my task; while I learned, not forgetting to keep a sharp look-out on the black-beetles and cockroaches, of which, more even, I believe, than of the rats, I sat in mortal dread.
My impression at first was that I had undertaken what it really was impossible to perform, and I simply resolved to do my best and be resigned to fail.

I soon found, however, that one part in so short a piece was not more than memory could master at a few hours' notice.

I learned and learned on, first in a whisper, and then aloud.