Memorare?_ I am going to light the candles." She tried
to begin, and then looked at me and burst out laughing. Seeing my
precious vestas burning quickly away, I begged her once more to
say the _Memorare._ Again there was silence, broken only by bursts
of laughter. All my natural good temper deserted me. I got up
feeling dreadfully angry, and, stamping my foot furiously, I cried
out: "Victoire, you naughty girl!" She stopped laughing at once,
and looked at me in utter astonishment, then showed me--too
late--the surprise she had in store hidden under her apron--two
pieces of candle. My tears of anger were soon changed into tears
of sorrow; I was very much ashamed and grieved, and made a firm
resolution never to act in such a way again.

Shortly after this I made my first confession.[3] It is a very
sweet memory. Pauline had warned me: "Therese, darling, it is not
to a man but to God Himself that you are going to tell your sins."
I was so persuaded of this that I asked her quite seriously if I
should not tell Father Ducellier that I loved him "with my whole
heart," as it was really God I was going to speak to in his person.

Well instructed as to what I was to do, I entered the
confessional, and turning round to the priest, so as to see him
better, I made my confession and received absolution in a spirit
of lively faith--my sister having assured me that at this solemn
moment the tears of the Holy Child Jesus would purify my soul. I
remember well that he exhorted me above all to a tender devotion
towards Our Lady, and I promised to redouble my love for her who
already filled so large a place in my heart. Then I passed him my
Rosary to be blessed, and came out of the Confessional more joyful
and lighthearted than I had ever felt before. It was evening, and
as soon as I got to a street lamp I stopped and took the newly
blessed Rosary out of my pocket, turning it over and over. "What
are you looking at, Therese, dear?" asked Pauline. "I am seeing
what a blessed Rosary looks like." This childish answer amused my
sisters very much. I was deeply impressed by the graces I had
received, and wished to go to confession again for all the big
feasts, for these confessions filled me with joy. The feasts! What
precious memories these simple words bring to me. I loved them;
and my sisters knew so well how to explain the mysteries hidden in
each one. Those days of earth became days of Heaven. Above all I
loved the procession of the Bles