I hear that God is about to give you again the blessing of motherhood, and I like to console myself with the hope that you thank Him for this grace and for all the prosperity you enjoy, taking all from His hand who sends you these good things, not to be employed in pomp and vain display, but to make you advance in holy humility and loving fear of Him. Tell me, daughter, and tell me quite honestly and frankly, what are your sentiments upon this point? for I always have a certain dread that the atmosphere of this world's affluence and honours may smother us if we do not keep well before our minds the thought of their instability, the certainty that we must one day leave them, and the uncertainty of the coming of that day. Think often of death and of the blessed eternity those will enjoy who value true happiness above all perishable things. Impress these truths on your daughter, for they are the best and most permanent heritage that you can give her. Make her dearly prize the happiness of living in the holy love of God, and in the fear of offending Him. These things, as you know, I have always, from your tenderest years, striven to engrave on your heart, and especially did I advise you to fulfil all your duties towards your husband, as God ordains. This advice I now reiterate. You should give him all the satisfaction in your power. Tell me also your thoughts on this point. Ah! for the love of God, daughter, let not your head be turned by the honours and good things which you have in such abundance. I am told that you have become sarcastic. Believe me, dearest daughter, it is by Christian modesty and a gentle and gracious manner to all that you ought to make yourself known. Turning others into ridicule is not becoming in one of your position and age. Try to conquer and attract hearts by the means I have just pointed out, and to surpass all in prudence and holy reticence of action. Take this advice from your mother, who loves you and desires to see you altogether perfect in your station. May God give you the grace to be so! XCI. _To Mgr. André Frémyot, formerly Archbishop of Bourges (the Saint's brother)._ ON THE DEATH OF HER DAUGHTER-IN-LAW, MME. DE CHANTAL.[A] Vive [+] Jésus! ANNECY, 1633. MY VERY HONOURED LORD,