ourney was ended, the peasant was
convinced that Francis was as good as "they" said he was.

Our readers must not imagine that Francis' converts were all men. Far
from it. Many women, besides Clara and Agnes, had to thank God that he
ever came their way and taught them how to love and serve God.

[Sidenote: "_Our Brother Jacqueline!_"]

There was Jacqueline. She was of noble family, and though she did not
leave the world like Clara, yet she served the cause right nobly. She
was a most unusual woman for her times. We are told that "she was not
afraid of business!" She went in person and treated with the
Benedictines, and induced them to give up certain buildings in favor
of the Friars Minor. All her riches and influence she put at the
disposal of the Franciscans, who had no more active patron than
Jacqueline. Francis used to call her jokingly "our brother
Jacqueline!"

On one of the last tours Francis was able to make, he suffered much
from pain and depression. To cheer him, says a historian, God gave him
a piece of work to do for Him. He was passing through a place called
Voluisiano, when a young lady, the wife of the baron of the place, ran
after him. When she caught up with him she was very much out of
breath. Francis looked at her with interest, and asked--

"What can I do for you, Madam?"

"I want you to bless me," she said.

"Are you married?" went on Francis.

"Oh, yes," said the girl, "and my husband is very stern. He sets
himself against my serving Jesus Christ. He is my great trouble. I
have received a right will from Heaven, and I cannot follow it on
account of him. Will you pray that God may soften his heart?"

"My daughter," Francis said in great compassion, "Go, I am assured
your husband will become your consolation. Tell him this from God and
me, 'Now is the time of salvation, recompense will surely come.'"

Then he gave her his blessing.

The lady went home, and finding her husband, gave him Francis'
message. The Spirit of God carried it to his inmost soul.

"He is right," he said to his wife, "Let us serve God together, and
save our souls in our own house!"

"The Lord be praised," cried his wife, and together they thanked God
for the gift of His wonderful salvation. They lived for a great many
years in godliness and holiness, and passed away to be with Christ,
the one in the morning and the other in the evening of the same day.

[Sidenote: _A Catalogue of Names._]

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