ve fluctuated considerably. Family
jealousies and jars deadened the fervour of her devotion. Preparations
for her first Sacrament under her sister's guidance, and the actual
participation in that ordinance, had for a time a beneficial effect. But
the solemnity of the Supper passed away without permanent influence on
her heart.

She was now growing up a fine tall girl, of remarkable beauty and of
equal fascination of speech and manner. Her mother became proud of her
loveliness, and took great interest in her dress and appearance.
Accomplished and attractive, she was welcome in every circle, and her
wit and gaiety made her company much sought after. Her serious
impressions passed away, and her heart was hot in the chase after
pleasure. That it was still tender and susceptible we learn from a
little incident at this period. She had gone for a walk with her
youthful companions, and during her absence a young cousin, De Toissi,
who was going as a missionary to Cochin China, called for a short time
at her father's house. On her return home she found that he had already
departed, and she heard such an account of his sanctity and of his pious
utterances that she was deeply affected and was overcome with sorrow,
crying all the rest of the day and night. Once more she sought earnestly
"the peace of God, which passeth all understanding," but sought it by
deeds of charity and by bodily austerities, instead of by the simple way
of faith. At this time, in the fervour of her devotion, she resolved to
enter a convent and become a nun. Her father, however, believed that his
daughter, whom he tenderly loved, might be truly religious without
taking such an irrevocable step. But soon--whether through some juvenile
attachment or not we cannot tell--her good desires and resolves grew
faint, she left off prayer, and lost such comfort and blessing as had
been granted her from above. "I began," she says, "to seek in the
creature what I had found in God. And Thou, O my God, didst leave me to
myself, because I had first left Thee, and Thou wast pleased, in
permitting me to sink into the abyss, to make me feel the necessity I
was under of maintaining communion with Thyself in prayer."

In 1663 her father removed his household to Paris, and Jeanne Marie was
transferred to a larger and more brilliant arena for the display of her
beauty and accomplishments. Louis XIV. was on the throne, and Paris was
at the very height of its gaiety and celebrity. T