"You will get well when the good God sees fit," was the invariable reply of the doctor, who was far from suspecting the prophetic nature of his words.
"Why should I not believe what he says, and throw myself directly on the divine goodness?" said the old peasant woman one day to herself, when she heard people talking of the fountain of Massabielle.
Accordingly, she sent some one to Lourdes to get at the spring itself a little of this healing water.
When it was brought to her, she was much excited.
"Take me out of bed," said she, "and hold me up."
They took her out, and dressed her hurriedly. Both the actors and spectators in this scene were somewhat disturbed.
Two persons held her up, placing their hands under her shoulders.
A glass of water from the grotto was presented to her.
She extended her trembling hand toward the quickening water and dipped her fingers in it. Then she made a great sign of the cross on herself, raised the glass to her lips, and slowly drank the contents, no doubt absorbed in fervent and silent prayer.
She became so pale that they thought for the moment that she was going to faint.