atched continually over me, as
the sequel will manifest. I did not remain long under the power of such
habits because my sister's care recovered me. I loved much to hear of
God, was not weary of church, loved to pray, had tenderness for the
poor, and a natural dislike for persons whose doctrine was judged
unsound. God has always continued to me this grace, in my greatest
infidelities.

There was at the end of the garden connected with this convent, a
little chapel dedicated to the child Jesus. To this I betook myself for
devotion and, for some time, carrying my breakfast thither every
morning, I hid it all behind this image. I was so much a child, that I
thought I made a considerable sacrifice in depriving myself of it.
Delicate in my choice of food, I wished to mortify myself, but found
self-love still too prevalent, to submit to such mortification. When
they were cleaning out this chapel, they found behind the image what I
had left there and presently guessed that it was I. They had seen me
every day going thither. I believe that God, who lets nothing pass
without a recompense, soon rewarded me with interest for this little
infantine devotion.

I continued some time with my sister, where I retained the love and
fear of God. My life was easy; I was educated agreeably with her. I
improved much while I had my health, but very often I was sick, and
seized with maladies as sudden as they were uncommon. In the evening
well; in the morning swelled and full of bluish marks, symptoms of a
fever which soon followed. At nine years, I was taken with so violent a
hemorrhage that they thought I was going to die. I was rendered
exceedingly weak.

A little before this severe attack, my other sister became jealous,
wanting to have me in turn. Though she led a good life, yet she had not
a talent for the education of children. At first she caressed me, but
all her caresses made no impression upon my heart. My other sister did
more with a look, than she with either caresses or threatenings. As she
saw that I loved her not so well, she changed to rigorous treatment.
She would not allow me to speak to my other sister. When she knew I had
spoken to her, she had me whipped, or beat me herself. I could no
longer hold out against severe usage, and therefore requited with
apparent ingratitude all the favors of my paternal sister, going no
more to see her. But this did not hinder her from giving me marks of
her usual goodness, in the severe