What a day was this Good Friday! Made four times the Way of the Cross for the souls in purgatory. Is there any possibility that you are in that place of expiation, dear Kate? Oh! tell me, or rather assure me, that you are in heaven. Gaston yesterday asked his mother to show him Mme. Kate up in the sky; he believes that you have become a star. Charming belief!
April 16.
A year ago, and I was full of joy and hope. O my happy days with my sister! you have for ever fled away.
April 17.
God be praised! I saw you this morning.... Oh! do not let me be told that it is a dream. I saw you, dear Kate; your beautiful hair falling over your shoulders, and you were smiling. Happiness enough for one whole day!
Christ is risen! The weather is splendid; we are in the full bloom of spring; bright sunshine, songs of birds, verdure everywhere; joy in our souls. Kate, I weep no more; you are in heaven!
April 19.
Walk with Amélie, the future religieuse of whom I spoke to you. She relieves herself a little to me of some of the desolation that fills her heart. She is not allowed to depart, and yet the delay requested is expired. Her grief makes my heart ache, and I would that it were given me to smooth for her the way to the cloister. For that I should be obliged to go out, to visit the mother; and as soon as I see any one I burst into tears. Do you blame me for the fidelity of my regrets? In listening to Amélie I understand what you must have undergone when once the Lord’s choice was clearly manifested. Pardon me for having wished still to hold you back!
Gertrude, our saint par excellence, speaks admirably of heaven. Lucy weeps with me, and makes her pretty Anne wipe away my tears. Kate, will you read this?
April 26.