“We keep her roses blooming throughout the year; they grow from the same roots as those she cared for; the rest of the time we spend in embroidery and prayer.” Such a wonderful voice! The Sister Margarita pressed a parchment-covered book close against the netting. “Here is a true life of Santa Rosa. It has never left this monastery. When you read it, you will understand why I have devoted my life to God through the mediation of our glorious Saint, our Patron, our Rosa de Lima.... She stood upon these stones in the courtyard where I now stand. Can you see why a stone has not been changed?... There is no word in this book which is not true. I know it by heart. I will give it to you.... “_Es católica?_” The voice was suddenly directed toward Rosa Mercédes. [Illustration: SANTA ROSA DE LIMA, FROM _HET WONDER LEVEN VAN DE H. ROSA_, _BRUSSEL_, 1668.] “_No, protestante._” “Oh!...” Her voice ran down the gamut of the scale. “You will not then believe my book?” The voice addressed me. I replied that I should value the book more than any one else to whom she could have given it. “Ah,” she sighed, “then that is why I wanted to give it to you.” A little pause. “Good-by-ie,” she said. A glint beyond the netting. “Good-by-ie, _mía amíga_,” and Rosa Mercédes and I stood alone outside. * * * * * Following is a Salutation to Santa Rosa preceding her novena, published in Lima in 1902: “God keep thee, O admirable virgin and patron of ours, Rose of Saint Mary! “God save thee, joy of the world, glory of the city, star of Lima, crown of the fatherland, most rich gold of Peru, treasure of the Indies! “God save thee, flower of the church, rose of humility, white lily of purity, olive of peace, fire of charity, most precious pearl, most beautiful dove! “We salute thee, O most loved spouse of the Heart of Jesus! Much cherished daughter of most Holy Mary, living image of thy mistress Catherine. “We praise thee, O example of penitence! Chosen from thousands, patron of a new world. “We bless thee, O Most Fragrant Rose, Most Precious Rose, Most Innocent Rose, Most Pure Rose, Most Illustrious Rose, Most Holy Rose, Most Glorious Rose! “_Rosa fragrantísima, Rosa inocentísima, Rosa purísima, Rosa ilustrísima, Rosa santísima, Rosa gloriosísima!_” CHAPTER X ANOMALIES OF LIMA I