does not understand,
there is nothing for it but to abandon her.' That would be the act
of a coward. We must do our duty to the very end."

* * * * * *

"Formerly, if any of my friends were in trouble, and I did not
succeed in consoling them when they came to see me, I left the
parlour quite heart-broken. Soon, however, Our Lord made me
understand how incapable I was of bringing comfort to a soul, and
from that day I no longer grieved when my visitors went away
downcast. I confided to God the sufferings of those so dear to me,
and I felt sure that He heard my prayer. At their next visit I
learned that I was not mistaken. After this experience, I no
longer worry when I have involuntarily given pain. . . . I simply
ask Our Lord to make amends."

* * * * * *

"What do you think of all the graces that have been heaped upon
you?"--"I think 'the Spirit of God breatheth where He will.'"[22]

* * * * * *

"Mother," she one day said to the Prioress, "were I unfaithful,
were I to commit even the smallest infidelity, I feel that my soul
would be plunged into the most terrible anguish, and I should be
unable to welcome death."

Mother Prioress evinced surprise at hearing her speak in this
strain, and she continued: "I am speaking of infidelity in the
matter of pride. If, for example, I were to say: 'I have acquired
such or such a virtue and I can practise it'; or again: 'My God,
Thou knowest I love Thee too much to dwell on one single thought
against faith,' straightway I should be assailed by the most
dangerous temptations and should certainly yield. To prevent this
misfortune I have but to say humbly and from my heart: 'My God, I
beseech Thee not to let me be unfaithful.'

"I understand clearly how St. Peter fell. He placed too much
reliance on his own ardent nature, instead of leaning solely on
the Divine strength. Had he only said: 'Lord, give me strength to
follow Thee unto death!' the grace would not have been refused him.

"How is it, Mother, that Our Lord, knowing what was about to
happen, did not say to him: 'Ask of Me the strength to do what is
in thy mind?' I think His purpose was to give us a twofold
lesson--first: that He taught His Apostles nothing by His presence
which He does not teach us through the inspirations of grace; and
secondly: that, having made choice of St. Peter to govern the
whole Church, wherein there are many sinners, He wished him to
test in himself what m