Two women who had been afflicted with lameness for years were fully
restored to health, and they left their crutches in the church, where
they can be seen by anyone."

Her excitement was infectious; the aged Delmia's eyes also began to
gleam with religious enthusiasm, while her trembling hand caused the
crutch to keep up a soft tattoo on the floor.

"And guess why the Virgin answered their prayers, Delmia?" she went on
in a hushed voice; "because they prayed in the church from midnight
until daybreak. Nearly all the miracles that the Blessed Virgin has
performed there have been for those who have denied themselves for her
in this manner. The night is rough and she knows how old I am. Who can
tell what she may do for me if I go out on a night like this to the
church and pray to her?"

"It is wonderful! wonderful! Blessed be the Virgin! It was wrong of me
to tell you not to go. I spoke in ignorance. It may be that she will
hear you, and cause a miracle to be worked, so that our nephew will be
restored to us again. I cannot bear to think of him having to stay
there for four long, long years."

"That would be too much to ask of the Virgin," answered the Little
Mother, in a voice as though she feared to pursue the thought, "but I
will pray to her that he be comforted, and that little Marie be
restored to health again." As she spoke Mother Soulard glanced in the
direction of the little bedroom where hours ago she, who that day was
to have been a bride, had retired to rest.

Poor Marie! On this woful night she had persisted in sleeping at their