3rd. The son of God, dying upon the cross, has obligated us to bear the cross, so we should not flee from it when it presents itself; this is my strongest reason, for in truth there is suffering in a new settlement, especially in one established so hurriedly as that one. I do not know how the house will be arranged; we shall be mixed up with workingmen, drinking, eating, and sleeping with them; they cannot make other provision for us of any kind whatever. All this does not appall me, for the cabins of the savages, in which I lived this winter, [129] are much worse. Father Buteux pleases me greatly, for he takes this cheerfully; I see him strongly determined to bear the cross. Your Reverence is right in saying that this is the kind of spirit that we should have. We shall study the language there, although less advantageously than at Kébec, on account of the lodging, in which there will be a greater hubbub than in the cabins of the savages; for our french people, with whom we shall be in company, are not so calm and patient as these barbarians. Furthermore, I had intended this winter to keep a savage with me at Kébec to instruct me, since I am beginning to be able to question them; this cannot be done at Three Rivers; but it is of no importance, I shall do what I can. Resteront à Kébec le P. Lallemant, le P. Masse, le P. de Nouë et nos deux Frères avec tous nos hommes. La douceur et la vertu du P. Lallemant tiendra tout en paix, et fera réussir le travail de nos gens. Envoyer le P. de Nouë et le P. Brebeuf aux Trois-Rivières, je ne voyois point d'apparence, 1º pour ce que le P. de Nouë gouverne ici nos hommes; 2º le Pere Buteux eust perdu une année, il n'auroit rien fait du tout en la langue; 3º _Satis calidus est, licet alioquin optimus, P. de Nouë_; il falloit donc que le P. Lallemant ou moy y allassions: j'ay pris le sort pour moy, croyant laisser la maison en plus grande paix que si je fusse demeuré, [130] je croy que V. R. approuvera mon procedé; du moins j'ay pensé suivre en cecy le mouvement de Dieu: qu'il soit loué pour un jamais! Voilà ce que nous ferons cette année. C'est une grande occupation que de bien souffrir, Dieu nous en fasse la grace! Parlons maintenant de nos serviteurs domestiques.