is led to think so, by the positive assurance she gave to a confidential
friend before her departure, that she would be absent _one year_, which
prediction was literally verified, as she left Montreal, September,
1658, and returned in safety with her new companions September, 1659. If
the saintly woman herself displayed courage and zeal in undertaking the
return voyage, no less heroism was evinced by those who followed her to
Canada. It is always a matter of surprise to the worldly-minded, to see
young girls courageously sever the ties of kindred and country, and
attach themselves to one who possesses nothing but confidence in God,
and who promises nothing in the future but humiliations, pain and labor
to her followers. Such were the inducements held out by Margaret
Bourgeois to those she succeeded in bringing to the New World, and such
were the Christian heroines who associated themselves to this great work
of charity. Four young girls accompanied her on the first recruiting
voyage, whose names deserve to be transmitted to posterity. They were
Mlles. Crolo, Raisin, Fyoux, and Chatel. The title of Sister was not
given them for many years after, but in 1671 they received letters
patent authorizing them to form a religious community. We cannot better
describe the rise and progress of the Sisters of the Congregation than
by giving extracts from the manuscripts of Sister Bourgeois. She says:

"In 1658, five years after my first arrival in Canada, I felt inspired
to return to France for help. It happened in this way: Mlle. Mance had
broken her arm, and undergone an unsuccessful operation. It continued so
painful, that she was obliged to go to France to have it properly
treated, having also matters to arrange for her hospital. As she could
not travel without a companion--being an invalid--I offered my services,
which were accepted, but I had another object in view, namely, to
procure capable young persons to teach my school. Mlle. Mance was well
pleased that I should accompany her, and, as our simple preparations