4. Some have said that the Saint at this time intended, or
wished, to be married; and Father Bouix translates the passage
thus: "une alliance honorable pour moi." But it is more probable
that the Saint had listened only to the story of her cousin's
intended marriage; for in ch. v. section 11, she says that our
Lord had always kept her from seeking to be loved of men.

5. Dona Maria Brizeno, mistress of the secular children who
were educated in the monastery (Reforma, lib. i. ch. vii.
section 3).



Chapter III.


The Blessing of Being with Good People. How Certain Illusions
Were Removed.


1. I began gradually to like the good and holy conversation of
this nun. How well she used to speak of God! for she was a
person of great discretion and sanctity. I listened to her with
delight. I think there never was a time when I was not glad to
listen to her. She began by telling me how she came to be a nun
through the mere reading of the words of the Gospel "Many are
called, and few are chosen." [1] She would speak of the reward
which our Lord gives to those who forsake all things for His
sake. This good companionship began to root out the habits which
bad companionship had formed, and to bring my thoughts back to