I feel sure, my dearest nephew, that, alas! you must already know of the death of my dear one.[A] Five days after her decease we announced the news to Mgr. of Bourges,[B] but I fear the letters may have been lost. It has truly, my child, been a great grief to me to be deprived of the presence of this dear, amiable daughter, but with all my heart I adore and embrace the divine will which has sent me this sorrow. There is much to console me in her happy and holy death, while I am almost in despair at the thought of the state of soul of your cousin.[C] So miserable am I about it that I do not know which way to turn, if not to the Providence of God, there to bury my longings, confiding to His hands not only the honour but even the salvation of this already half lost child. Oh! the incomparable anguish of this affliction! No other grief, my dearest nephew, can come near to it. If it were not that I am tied down here by a violent ague I would have already set out to be with him. I am asking him to come to me: if he does not, I beseech Mgr. of Bourges to find some pretext for visiting him, and for remaining with him till he comes to Nantua. Alas! he must be helped. I implore of you to do all you can in the matter. I can say no more. I am overwhelmed with sorrow, and my tears blind me. Obtain for him the prayers of all those good souls who walk steadily in the fear of God. My salutations to all the household. My dearest nephew, may His goodness grant you all blessings. Believe me always your humble aunt and servant, Sister J. F. Frémyot of the Visitation. FOOTNOTES: [A] The Saint's daughter, Madame de Thorens. [B] Archbishop of Bourges, brother of St. Jane Frances. M. de Neuchèze was Vicar-General and Chancellor of his Diocese. [C] The Saint's son, Celse Benigne. XXV. _To Mother Marie Jacqueline Favre, Superior at Lyons._ Vive [+] Jésus! ANNECY, _25th November, 1617._ This severe mortification which the good N. has given you is, my dearest daughter, the fruit of the holy cross. Ah! may God grant us the grace to profit by every mortification that He sends us. You are indeed blessed; for see how the divine Saviour lays on you burden upon burden. May His goodness give you His holy strength. He will do so, daughter, for with your whole soul you have given yourself into the arms of divine Providence, and you have no other arms to bear you up and no other breast on which to repose in love save His. Abide there as a gentle dove in all simplicity and tranquility, not making account of your afflictions but looking only at the _Heart_ of Him who has sent them to you.