"You must go in, Pedro, and I have a sick woman to visit before I finish
my day's work. I shall not see you again, amigo mio, but I shall not
forget you, believe me. Live a good life and be happy."

And saying this, she held out her hand. Pedro bent low and kissed it
reverently, without a word. Then, after one long, steady look into her
face, he turned abruptly, and walked slowly through the orchard and back
to the mission. The next morning he was gone.

Apolinaria continued with her nursing at San Diego for some weeks
longer, until the disease had done its worst, and then returned to Santa
B‡rbara. But after this she never was allowed to remain there for long
at a time. From San Diego to San Luis Obispo, and beyond, she was in
demand; and whenever a wish for her assistance was sent to her, she
always responded. Not infrequently, more than one mission would implore
her presence. Then she would visit the one most in distress, and send
some of her pupils to the others. Thus she passed her days in good work
toward her fellowmen, finding her reward in the blessing of God which
crowned her life. And ever after her first visit to San Diego, she was
called by the name which Pedro, in his love, had bestowed upon her -
La Beata.



[1] Literally, the blessed one; a woman who gives herself to works of
charity.