whole hour in the dark in consequence of this mistake? And just that evening I had intended doing much work. Without the interior light of grace I should assuredly have bewailed my loss, but with that light, instead of experiencing vexation I was happy in thinking that poverty consists in being deprived not only of things desirable, but of those also that are indispensable. And in the exterior darkness I found my soul illumined with divine light.
I was seized at this time with a genuine love for what was ugliest and least convenient, thus I was delighted when I saw the pretty little jug carried off from our cell, and received in its stead a large one, all chipped.
HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. VII
A novice expressed regret for having
lent a pin which was very serviceable to
her:
"Oh! how rich you are," replied Thérèse, "you cannot be happy."
COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES
