I beg of our Sisters of Moulins to do whatever justice demands. Oh! what a shame it would be to see our houses sueing one another! A thousand times rather would I prefer to see them overwhelmed with reproaches and poverty than that this should ever happen. If, dearest brother, after all these humble petitions and arguments, Madame du Tertre and our Sisters of Moulins wish to act against those of Nevers she must do as she pleases; but we shall neither blame them nor defend ourselves, for to do so would not be the will of God, and under these circumstances I am persuaded it would be better for one or other entirely to surrender its claim. Such, too, is the opinion of his Lordship of Geneva.
Oblige me by telling our Sister, the Superior of Moulins, that I have already written to her, as by accident she may not have yet received my letter. This, that I now write to you, will also serve for good Madame du Tertre, it being all I am able for, as I have a slight indisposition which is becoming habitual with me. I have no other wish than that she should be treated sweetly and cordially with all affection as she certainly merits. But, I assure you, Nevers was entirely her own free choice: I have ample evidence of this in her letters. God only knows all that has passed on this subject. Our poor Sister Superior may have appeared somewhat inflexible and shown how much she felt this rupture. But, dearest brother, in consideration for her position we must throw over this fault of weakness or surprise, the mantle of holy charity, that mantle which bears with all, excuses all, and hides all the defects of her children. These last lines are in confidence for your own ear only, your goodness and piety encouraging me to confide in you. I beseech of you in conclusion to use all the influence at your command in favour of peace and charity. Believe me, I am truly indifferent to everything except the glory of God.
I remain, Sir, very dear brother, with much affection,
Your humble and obliged
Sister and servant in Our Lord.
[A] The Little Office of Our Lady.
[B] An old French coin.
XLV.
To St. Francis de Sales.
Vive ✠ Jésus!
Paris,
August, 1621.