revelation of the motives by which Bertha was actuated, had left a more
painful impression upon his mind than his monitor perhaps desired.
Though the priest had not directly attributed the woman's insanity to
her husband's death, Gilbert too clearly understood that such was the
fact. His was too generous a heart, not to deplore bitterly so terrible
a calamity, of which he was--however unintentionally--the cause. He felt
no resentment for his misguided assailant--he would willingly have
exposed himself to a second attack, could he have thus restored her
reason. The memento of the crucifixion--that Catholic alphabet, the
crucifix--held up unto his soul the wondrous truth that God had
voluntarily suffered, for the sake of man, all that humanity can endure;
and the youth interiorly acknowledged that the errors of his life were
but imperfectly balanced by the inconvenience he then experienced.

It is not in the pride of health and youth, surrounded by pleasure, and
strangers to care, that a heart, wedded to the world, is apt to
prostrate itself in humility before the Author of life; but in danger
and affliction, we learn to mistrust our self-sufficiency, and feel our
complete dependence upon an invisible and almighty power. We are much
more disposed to appeal to heaven for protection, than to return thanks
for repeated favors. It is not to be wondered at, then, that Gilbert
sought relief in prayer; there is nothing more natural to one who
prefers the consolations of religion to the staff of philosophy. He was
far indeed from that exalted perfection of loving God for Himself alone;
but who can predict what may spring from the mustard-seed?

By the first gray light of the morning Father Omehr was bending over his
youthful charge: Gilbert was fast asleep.