Bear with the old woman, I beg of you, and you will gain her to God. I rather prefer your writing during recreation than in the evening. I do this, and in the midst of our Sisters. Get Sister Jeanne Charlotte or someone else to help you in this, and write little except to our monasteries; but you should read a good quarter of an hour every evening after _Matins_, for this will be useful to you. We should wear ourselves out in the service of our neighbour, and doing so we shall be happy. Certainly, daughter, the dormitory ought not to be made into an infirmary: if doing otherwise gives a little more trouble to the sisters they will have all the more merit. Alas! my God, the poor have far more than this to put up with. Our Blessed Father's maxim was to refuse no inconvenience, and to ask for no relief, yet if relief was given him he accepted it. Oh, daughter, great courage is needed to seek God alone, bearing all for love of Him. I am a little surprised to have no news of Sister Jeanne Charlotte, and Sister Marie Aimée. Had I time I would send them a note to waken them up, and assure them that I belong to them, but for this time give them my message and tell them that I wrote to them when I was at Moulins the last time, at least to the elder sister. May God in His goodness hold you in His holy hand. I am devoted to you more than I could ever put into words. God be Blessed! I salute all our sisters, especially Sister Assistant, for whom I have a great affection, but I wish she would write to me once more, then I would answer her fully. It is because I have not had time that I have not done so. God be Blessed! P.S.--It has occurred to me that I ought to send you the first sheet of the Directory--all that is yet out--in which is set down how the Office ought to be performed on the great feasts of our Lord. His Lordship will be satisfied at its being performed in this manner. The change must be effected quietly and imperceptibly. Our Sisters are very much pleased with it. LIV. _To Sister Marie Marguerite Milletot at Dijon._ Vive [+] Jésus! ANNECY, 1623. MY VERY DEAR DAUGHTER, Do not be astonished at seeing yourself surrounded by spiritual enemies; only guard your heart so that they may not enter. But I know you would die a thousand times over rather than let them do so. Remain then in peace and patience, awaiting your deliverance by our good Saviour, and He will free you sooner than you think. This trial is, dearest daughter, hard to bear, but believe me if you had any other you would find it equally so. This life is only given us to combat. Every one has his own cross. Oh God! how heavy is the burden to me of my own extreme misery and of my own infidelities! May the good God deliver me from myself! Be brave, daughter dearest, he who does not conquer shall never be crowned. I beseech the divine Goodness to strengthen you in this combat. Pray to the good God for