But with the women and the children crowding everywhere, the sick in my chamber, the helpless in every corner, it will be seen that we, too, had much to do.  And our hearts were elsewhere, with those who were watching the city, who were face to face with those in whom they had not believed.  We were going and coming all day long with food for them, and there never was a time of the night or day that there were not many of us watching on the brow of the hill to see if any change came in Semur.  Agathe and I, and our children, were all together in one little room.  She believed in God, but it was not any comfort to her; sometimes she would weep and pray all day long; sometimes entreat her husband to abandon the city, to go elsewhere and live, and fly from this strange fate.  She is one who cannot endure to be unhappy—­not to have what she wishes.  As for me, I was brought up in poverty, and it is no wonder if I can more easily submit.  She was not willing that I should come this morning to Semur.  In the night the Mere Julie had roused us, saying she had seen a procession of angels coming to restore us to the city.  Ah! to those who have no knowledge it is easy to speak of processions of angels.  But to those who have seen what an angel is—­how they flock upon us unawares in the darkness, so that one is confused, and scarce can tell if it is reality or a dream; to those who have heard a little voice soft as the dew coming out of heaven!  I said to them—­for all were in a great tumult—­that the angels do not come in processions, they steal upon us unaware, they reveal themselves in the soul.  But they did not listen to me; even Agathe took pleasure in hearing of the revelation.  As for me, I had denied myself, I had not seen Martin for a night and a day.  I took one of the great baskets, and I went with the women who were the messengers for the day.  A purpose formed itself in my heart, it was to make my way into the city, I know not how, and implore them to have pity upon us before the people were distraught.  Perhaps, had I been able to refrain from speaking to Martin, I might have found the occasion I wished; but how could I conceal my desire from my husband?  And now all is changed, I am rejected and he is gone.  He was more worthy.  Bonne Maman is right.  Our good God, who is our father, does He require that one should make profession of faith, that all should be alike?  He sees the heart; and to choose my Martin, does not that prove that He loves best that which is best, not I, or a priest, or one who makes professions?  Thus, I sat down at the gate with a great confidence, though also a trembling in my heart.  He who had known how to choose him among all the others, would not He guard him?  It was a proof to me once again that heaven is true, that the good God loves and comprehends us all, to see how His wisdom, which is unerring, had chosen the best man in Semur.

And M. le Cure, that goes without saying, he is a priest of priests, a true servant of God.