Some months before the death of Soeur Therese, _The Life of St. Aloysius_ was being read in the refectory, and one of the Mothers was struck by the mutual and tender affection which existed between the young Saint and the aged Jesuit, Father Corbinelli. "You are little Aloysius," she said to Therese, "and I am old Father Corbinelli--be mindful of me when you enter Heaven." "Would you like me to fetch you thither soon, dear Mother?" "No, I have not yet suffered enough." "Nay, Mother, I tell you that you have suffered quite enough." To which Mother Hermance replied: "I dare not say Yes. . . . In so grave a matter I must have the sanction of authority." So the request was made to Mother Prioress, who, without attaching much importance to it, gave her sanction. Now, on one of the last days of her life, Soeur Therese, scarcely able to speak owing to her great weakness, received through the infirmarian a bouquet of flowers. It had been gathered by Mother Hermance, and was accompanied by an entreaty for one word of affection. The message: "Tell Mother Hermance of the Heart of Jesus that during Mass this morning I saw Father Corbinelli's grave close to that of little Aloysius." "That is well," replied the good Mother, greatly touched; "tell Soeur Therese that I have understood. . . ." And from that moment she felt convinced her death was near. It took place just one year later, and, according to the prediction of the "Little Aloysius," the two graves lie side by side. * * * * * * The last words penned by the hand of Soeur Therese were: "O Mary, were I Queen of Heaven, and wert thou Therese, I should wish to be Therese, that I might see thee Queen of Heaven!" _____________________________ [1] Cf. Matt. 20:23. [2] Cf. Ps. 67[68]:28. [3] Cf. Prov. 1:4. [4] Judith 15:11. [5] Ecclus. 11:12, 13, 22, 23, 24. [6] Jer. 10:23. [7] Cf. Psalm 93[94]:18. [8] _Imit.,_ I, xvi. 4. [9] John 14:2. [10] Cf. Psalm 111[112]:5. [11] Cant. 1:2. [12] Cf. 2 Esdras 4:17. [13] Matt. 25:36. [14] Prov. 16:32. [15] Luke 2:50. [16] Luke 2:33. [17] Ps. 118[119]:112. [18] Ephes. 6:17. [19] Cf. Cant. 5:7, 3:4. [20] In this and the following "counsel" it should be remembered that it is a Novice-Mistress who is speaking. [Ed.] [21] Cf. Ephes. 6:17; Isaias 61:21. [22] Cf. John 3:8. [23] Luke 22:32. [24] Cf. Gen. 2:17. A play on the French: _Tu mourras de mort._ [Ed.] [25] Apoc. 22:12. [26] Prov. 10:12. [27] Cf. Isaias 6:2. _____________________________ LETTERS OF SOEUR THERESE THE LITTLE FLOWER OF JESUS _____________________________ LETTERS OF SOEUR THERESE TO HER SISTER CELINE I J.M.J.T. May 8, 1888. DEAREST CELINE,--There are moments when I wonder whether I am really and truly in the Carmel; sometimes I can scarcely believe it. What have I done for God that He should shower so many graces upon me?