Letter 184. To the same

I wrote to you on Friday, my very dear daughter, my darling, but the little man who brought us your letters did not come back to fetch the answer. However, yesterday morning a good man of the town assured me most emphatically that he would deliver it to you in the evening. You know that by direction of his Lordship and from the necessity of this house we are obliged to deprive you of three of your sisters. Let them get ready, I beseech of you, with their habit, you understand—only one each, but one that is tidy and in good condition and has wide sleeves like ours. But you will have seen to all this, for I think I wrote fully about it all. You know that I trust to you to tell me your wants, and I feel sure that you have this confidence in me. To-morrow we expect news of his Lordship. If the inconstancy of all created things has not changed any of the plans about our affairs, I think we shall have to start soon. His Lordship tells me that this foundation is so important for the glory of God and the stability of our Institute that it could not be greater, and so, through conveniences and inconveniences, we are heartened to contribute all we can to its success. You shall have due notice, but keep in readiness—quietly, however, on account of the great uncertainty of human things.

The day before yesterday we received M. Thibaut’s daughter and two or three others who are soon to enter. May God bless these little beginnings! The first fine day we are going to visit a site for building, which we shall begin as soon as God gives us the wherewith. My child, if your plan is made, send it to us I beg of you. The two sisters impatiently await your reply; remember to send it by the first opportunity. You are too extravagant to have made our seals of silver; but how much did they cost?>— for I must repay you; they are very well engraved and executed. Did I tell you that Francoise was at Dijon, and that all the relatives agree to her marriage? But M. de Foras has been detained by his Lordship on account of some matter of importance in regard to him. They tell me also that my son is very earnest about his resolution, and that God appears to be helping him. May it be His will.

Oh! my dearest daughter, how grateful we should be to our divine Saviour for having put into our hearts the one most holy aim of pleasing Him. Happy are they whose sole desire and only love are for things eternal! Our very dear Father is rendering great service to Our Lord and Master as much by his preaching as by his conferences, but he is not exempt from envy. Oh, the misery of the human heart! Iam not writing to good Sister Jeanne Marie, as I hope to see her; but if not, I shall not fail to write to her, since she wishes it. Adieu, my poor old dearest daughter; verily Iam wholly yours. May God bless your dear flock.