invalids to be found in a raw regiment of one hundred men. She solaced
them in their sufferings with unwearied assiduity, and gave them the
delicacies she received from the commander. Each day she read a lecture
on the practical duties of Christianity, and induced all to recite aloud
the morning and night prayers. Her courage and strength never failed
during the inconveniences of a stormy sea-voyage, which was remarkable,
as she had never been to sea before. She was really the guardian angel
of the ship, and in the exercise of such heroic acts of charity did she
arrive in Canada. However, in spite of her self-sacrificing virtue, she
was the subject of uncharitable criticisms, as M. de Maisonneuve, who
knew her worth, paid unceasing and deserved attention to her wants, and
she testified the most humble and respectful submission to his wishes.
Some who observed this wickedly construed it into hypocrisy to mask lost
virtue, and although the lynx-eyed slanderers did not dare to assert as
much openly on board, yet she knew it was discussed in private. But she
endured the humiliation in silence, as was her custom when calumny of
any kind assailed her.




CHAPTER VI.

SISTER BOURGEOIS' ARRIVAL IN CANADA.


The voyage from various causes having lasted three months, the fleet did
not arrive in Quebec until the 22d of September, 1653. She therefore set
her foot on Canadian soil for the first time in the capital of New
France. It was like taking possession of the Province she was afterwards