At the end of May, Marie, our eldest, was professed, and Therese, the Benjamin, had the privilege of crowning her with roses on the day of her mystical espousals.  After this happy feast trials again came upon us.  Ever since his first attack of paralysis we realised that my Father was very easily tired.  During our journey to Rome I often noticed that he seemed exhausted and in pain.  But, above all, I remarked his progress in the path of holiness; he had succeeded in obtaining a complete mastery over the impetuosity of his natural disposition, and earthly things were unable to ruffle his calm.  Let me give you an instance.

During our pilgrimage we were in the train for days and nights together, and to wile away the time our companions played cards, and occasionally grew very noisy.  One day they asked us to join them, but we refused, saying we knew little about the game; we did not find the time long—­only too short, indeed, to enjoy the beautiful views which opened before us.  Presently their annoyance became evident, and then dear Papa began quietly to defend us, pointing out that as we were on pilgrimage, more of our time might be given to prayer.

One of the players, forgetting the respect due to age, called out thoughtlessly:  “Thank God, Pharisees are rare!” My Father did not answer a word, he even seemed pleased; and later on he found an opportunity of shaking hands with this man, and of speaking so pleasantly that the latter must have thought his rude words had either not been heard, or at least were forgotten.

His habit of forgiveness did not date from this day; my Mother and all who knew him bore witness that no uncharitable word ever passed his lips.

His faith and generosity were likewise equal to any trial.  This is how he announced my departure to one of his friends:  “Therese, my little Queen, entered the Carmel yesterday.  God alone could ask such a sacrifice; but He helps me so mightily that even in the midst of tears my heart is overflowing with joy.”

This faithful servant must needs receive a reward worthy of his virtues, and he himself claimed that reward.  You remember the interview when he said to us:  “Children, I have just come back from Alencon, and there, in the Church of Notre Dame, I received such graces and consolations that I made this prayer:  ’My God, it is too much, yes, I am too happy; I shall not get to Heaven like this, I wish to suffer something for Thee—­and I offered myself as a’”—­the word victim died on his lips.  He dared not pronounce it before us, but we understood.  You know, dear Mother, the story of our trial; I need not recall its sorrowful details.

And now my clothing day drew near.  Contrary to all expectations, my Father had recovered from a second attack, and the Bishop fixed the ceremony for January 10.  The time of waiting had been long indeed, but now what a beautiful feast!  Nothing was wanting, not even snow.