"Well, I shall prove that you are absolutely mistaken, and that it
is not our Mother that you love, but yourself. When we really love
others, we rejoice at their happiness, and we make every sacrifice
to procure it. Therefore if you had this true, disinterested
affection, and loved our Mother for her own sake, you would be
glad to see her find pleasure even at your expense; and since you
think she has less satisfaction in talking with you than with
another Sister, you ought not to grieve at being apparently
neglected."

* * * * * *

I was distressed at my many distractions during prayers: "I also
have many," she said, "but as soon as I am aware of them, I pray
for those people the thought of whom is diverting my attention,
and in this way they reap benefit from my distractions. . . . I
accept all for the love of God, even the wildest fancies that
cross my mind."

* * * * * *

I was regretting a pin which I had been asked for, and which I had
found most useful. "How rich you are," said Thérèse, "you will
never be happy!"

* * * * * *

The grotto of the Holy Child was in her charge, and, knowing that
one of our Mothers greatly disliked perfumes, she never put any
sweet-smelling flowers there, not even a tiny violet. This cost