Letter 886. To Mother Mane Jacqueline Favre, Superior of
My most dear Grande fille,—I am very well, thank God. Last week I had a little indisposition, but it is past. On Wednesday we leave here, and I hope God will bring us safely to Nessy. We shall see our good sisters of Bourg, and will do, as far as possible, what you have settled for us. As for the little sister, I should very much fear that she will give bad example to N I wish she were stronger in character. Your guidance will, I think, benefit her more than any other. However, do freely what you judge best, for it is quite in order to relieve your house of some sisters for the foundation. The little Superior? has a heart in a thousand for you and for all your family. She writes to me about you all in glowing terms. Oh! what a blessed thing is this holy union! I am so consoled to see your management of these somewhat odd sisters and the careful way in which you govern your house. Ah, my daughter, what a happiness when each one keeps to her own duties! May God in His goodness continue to bestow upon you His graces and this holy liberty of spirit—it is a treasure.
LETTER 886 I7I
They tell me that you keep a pretty strict hand over the Court ladies, and I am very glad of it, particularly about Madame de Sénecey. Find out from her if she will not send me the picture of our Blessed Father that I begged her to get Ferdinand to copy from the original which I gave her. She has promised many times to give it tome. Urge her so that I may get it, and, if it is well done, pay what is necessary for it and I will refund you the money. I gave fitting advice to our good sister of Pont-4d-Mousson; be friendly with her, for I want you to win the hearts of all our sisters and to keep possession of them. In whatever houses I visit on my journey I shall strive to cultivate this feeling. I find no difficulty on the sisters’ part in responding to it. God has apparently enabled me to understand our Sister [M. Marguerite Michel]? [several lines illegible]. I have not spared her, and have told her all God made known to me that could tend to her good. She took it well, and, if Iam not deceived, this interview will, with the help of God, be of profit to her. I made them unburden their hearts to her and to Sister [Madame de Vigny], and I hope for great results among the sisters. She governs well, and they are as gentle as doves. All are satisfied except; but even with her things are going well and settling themselves. If they go to Comté she will go [several words illegible|. She has suffered, but is a generous soul of great virtue. We shall see, if this foundation is made, what it will be best to do. M. is always loyal to you, but all keep aloof from the Mother here, though with little reason, it seems to me. He has certain suspicions of dissimulation and want of straightforwardness, which I find, on a searching inquiry, not to be well founded. All are, I can see, disposed to live in peace and union. May God spread His mercies here! I tell you thus briefly everything, as if I were speaking to my own self; for I have an ever-growing feeling that you are my true and altogether unique daughter.
Alack! how I pity poor Madame de Saint-Luc. I salute her tenderly, and also our good M. Grillet. Thank you for the prayer. You ought to give the letters. Adieu, my12
Footnotes
Chapter 99 of 252