Her life was one
melodious song in the midst of the greatest trials; and this is
not strange, because we read that "the Book of the Holy Gospels
lay ever on her heart,"[11] while in her heart reposed the Spouse
of Virgins.

Our visit to the Church of St. Agnes was also very delightful. I
tried, but without success, to obtain a relic to take back to my
little Mother, Sister Agnes of Jesus. Men refused me, but God
Himself came to my aid: a little bit of red marble, from an
ancient mosaic dating back to the time of the sweet martyr, fell
as my feet. Was this not touching? St. Agnes herself gave me a
keepsake from her house.

We spent six days in visiting the great wonders in Rome, and on
the seventh saw the greatest of all--Leo XIII. I longed for, yet
dreaded, that day, for on it depended my vocation. I had received
no answer from the Bishop of Bayeux, and so the Holy Father's
permission was my one and only hope. But in order to obtain this
permission I had first to ask it. The mere thought made me
tremble, for I must dare speak to the Pope, and that, in presence
of many Cardinals, Archbishops, and Bishops!

On Sunday morning, November 20, we went to the Vatican, and were
taken to the Pope's private chapel. At eight o'clock we assisted
at his Mass, during which his fervent piety, worthy of the Vicar
of Christ, gave evidence that he was in truth the "Holy Father."

The Gospel for that day contained these touching words: "Fear not,
little flock, for it hath pleased your Father to give you a
Kingdom."[12] My heart was filled with perfect confidence. No, I
would not fear, I would trust that the Kingdom of the Carmel would
soon be mine. I did not think of those other words of Our Lord: "I
dispose to you, as my Father hath disposed to Me, a Kingdom."[13]
That is to say, I will give you crosses and trials, and thus will
you become worthy to possess My Kingdom. _If you desire to sit on
His right hand you must drink the chalice which He has drunk
Himself._[14] "Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and
so to enter into His glory?"[15]

A Mass of thanksgiving followed, and then the audience began. Leo
XIII, whose cassock and cape were of white, was seated on a raised
chair, and round him were grouped various dignitaries of the
church. According to custom each visitor knelt in turn and kissed,
first the foot and next the hand of the venerable Pontiff, and
finally received his blessing; then two of the Noble Guard s