As his Lordship entered, my Father and I knelt for his blessing; then he made us sit down.  Father Reverony offered me the armchair in the middle.  I excused myself politely, but he insisted, telling me to show if I knew how to obey.  I did so without any more hesitation, and was mortified to see him take an ordinary chair while I was buried in an enormous seat that would comfortably have held four children like me—­ more comfortably in fact, for I was far from being at ease.  I hoped that Papa was going to do all the talking, but he told me to explain the reason of our visit.  I did so as eloquently as I could, though I knew well that one word from the Superior would have carried more weight than all my reasons, while his opposition told strongly against me.  The Bishop asked how long I had wanted to enter the Carmel.  “A very long time, my Lord!” “Come!” said the Vicar-General, laughing, “it cannot be as long as fifteen years.”  “That is true,” I answered, “but it is not much less, for I have wished to give myself to God from the time I was three.”  The Bishop, no doubt to please Papa, tried to explain that I ought to remain some time longer with him; but, to his great surprise and edification, my Father took my part, adding respectfully that we were going to Rome with the diocesan pilgrimage, and that I should not hesitate to speak to the Holy Father if I could not obtain permission before then.  However, it was decided that, previous to giving an answer, an interview with the Superior was absolutely necessary.  This was particularly unpleasant hearing, for I knew his declared and determined opposition; and, in spite of the advice not to allow the Bishop to see any diamonds, I not only showed them but let them fall.  He seemed touched, and caressed me fondly.  I was afterwards told he had never treated any child so kindly.

“All is not lost, little one,” he said, “but I am very glad that you are going to Rome with your good Father; you will thus strengthen your vocation.  Instead of weeping, you ought to rejoice.  I am going to Lisieux next week, and I will talk to the Superior about you.  You shall certainly have my answer when you are in Italy.”  His Lordship then took us to the garden, and was much interested when Papa told him that, to make myself look older, I had put up my hair for the first time that very morning.  This was not forgotten, for I know that even now, whenever the Bishop tells anyone about his “little daughter,” he always repeats the story about her hair.  I must say I should prefer my little secret to have been kept.  As he took us to the door, the Vicar-General remarked that such a thing had never been seen—­a father as anxious to give his child to God as the child was to offer herself.

We had to return to Lisieux without a favourable answer.  It seemed to me as though my future were shattered for ever; the nearer I drew to the goal, the greater my difficulties became.  But all the time I felt deep down in my heart a wondrous peace, because I knew that I was only seeking the Will of my Lord. ______________________________