(at Paris)

Wednesday (April 23, 1641)

Monsieur,

I no longer have the letter from our sisters which I confided to someone yesterday to bring to you. I think that it is essential, regardless of the state of health of our good sick sister¹, that she select someone to replace her. I humbly beg of you, Monsieur, to believe [that] if I left the name blank it was not out of a spirit of ceremonious deference, but with the sole thought that I had to act thus so as to accomplish the will of God. Had Monsieur Vincent been here, he would have done the same. I had thought either of Sister Cecile or Sister Madeleine, but to choose between them I would need the kind of knowledge of them which God has given you during the time that they have had the honor of being directed by you. You will note, Monsieur, that I am only proposing one of these sisters as superior temporarily since I believe that perhaps Monsieur Vincent might send one² of the sisters presently at Richelieu. She is one of the oldest and most capable in our little band. However, we must wait for his return which will not be before next week. Moreover, I am not at all certain that the matter will be taken care of promptly.

Yesterday I received further word of the seriousness of the illness of our sister. This reinforces the ideas which I have expressed above. Nevertheless, should Divine Providence permit you to return, it would be a great consolation for me, and it would certainly be more appropriate for your Charity to give this order to them personally.

The administrators have not said that the absence of our sister is detrimental to the service of the poor, which leads me to believe that a couple of weeks would not be prejudicial. Oh, my God, Monsieur, how your charitable humility puts me to shame! I would be content if you treated me otherwise because, by the grace of God, I am aware of many of the dispositions with which His goodness has filled your soul. May He be forever glorified! It is in His holy love that I remain, Monsieur, your very humble and most obedient daughter and servant.

1. Elisabeth Martin, see preceding letter.
2. Louise de Marillac was still thinking of Barbe Angiboust, see Letter 103.