suggestion, and then I
felt you were praying for me, and I grew calm. I began to see
things more clearly, and now I come to you for further guidance."

I am only too happy to follow the dictates of my heart and hasten
to console with a little sweetness, but I see that one must not
press forward too quickly--a word might undo the work that cost so
many tears. If I say the least thing which seems to tone down the
hard truths of the previous day, I see my little Sister trying to
take advantage of the opening thus given her. At once I have
recourse to prayer, I turn to Our Blessed Lady, and Jesus always
triumphs. Verily in prayer and sacrifice lies all my strength,
they are my invincible arms; experience has taught me that they
touch hearts far more easily than words.

Two years ago, during Lent, a novice came to me smiling, and said:
"You would never imagine what I dreamt last night--I thought I was
with my sister, who is so worldly, and I wanted to withdraw her
from all vain things; to this end I explained the words of your
hymn:

'They richly lose who love Thee, dearest Lord; Thine are my
perfumes, Thine for evermore.'

I felt that my words sank deep into her soul, and I was overjoyed.
This morning it seems to me that perhaps Our Lord would like me to
gain Him this soul. How would it do if I wrote at Easter and
described my dream, telling her that Jesus desires to have her for
His Spouse?" I answered that she might certainly ask permission.

As Lent was not nearly over, you were surprised, dear Mother, at
such a premature request, and, evidently guided by God, you
replied that Carmelites should save souls by prayer rather than by
letters. When I heard your decision I said to the little Sister:
"We must set to work and pray hard; if our prayers are answered at
the end of Lent, what a joy it will be!" O Infinite Mercy of our
Lord! At the close of Lent, one soul more had given herself to
God. It was a real miracle of grace--a miracle obtained through
the fervour of a humble novice.

How wonderful is the power of prayer! It is like unto a queen,
who, having free access to the king, obtains whatsoever she asks.
In order to secure a hearing there is no need to recite set
prayers composed for the occasion--were it so, I ought indeed to
be pitied!

Apart from the Divine Office, which in spite of my unworthiness is
a daily joy, I have not the courage to look through books for
beautiful prayers. I only get a headache b