order of Mt. Carmel was evident, and that this preference would render
her useless to him across the Atlantic. But as he was an upright man,
who could not be terrified by shadows, nor influenced by the assertions
of persons who would not honorably give their names, he contented
himself by showing the cowardly communication to Sister Bourgeois, and
calmly awaited her reply, which, when given, entirely disabused him of
any doubts that might have lessened his confidence in her, and so he
decided to set sail for the New World in July, 1653. During their stay
of three weeks at Nantes, she completely won the esteem and friendship
of M. le Coq and his family. Not only did they refuse to receive payment
for her board, but eagerly pressed her to accept an outfit for the sea
voyage, which they saw she took no care to provide. The kind-hearted
merchant thoughtfully procured a comfortable bed for her, which she
never slept upon, the ship's cordage being her only hammock during the
voyage. He would also have given her a supply of wine, but knowing she
would not use it, he substituted a few casks of fresh water, the lack of
which often causes such frightful sufferings at sea. These were useless
precautions for one who was determined to suffer in the flesh a portion
of the mortifications of Jesus Christ. The water was stored in the ship,
but she did not use it, as she drank only once a day, from a little
leather cup that she carried by her side. She never deviated from this
measure, and used only the tainted water, which was the ordinary
beverage of the common sailors. M. de Maisonneuve wished her to eat at
his table, but to this she would not consent; therefore he sent her
daily a portion of the food prepared for himself, which was more
delicate and better cooked than the ordinary mess. She took it
thankfully, to divide among the sick, using herself only a small share
of the common ship rations. During the voyage she carefully instructed
the soldiers and sailors in the sublime though simple lessons of the
catechism. She served the sick day and night, as there were many