September 6 (1640)

Monsieur,

I believe that the honorable Administrators and Fathers of the Poor will not object if we withdraw Sister Elisabeth Turgis¹. I assure you we have great need of her here and, had the sisters not been ill, we would have asked for her return long ago. You are aware, Monsieur, that these gentlemen were reluctant to have her remain there so I think they will be quite pleased.

Should anyone want to make it appear that it is essential for her to remain, or should she herself desire it, I humbly beg of you, Monsieur, to overcome these objections so that she can leave as soon as possible. I told her, Monsieur, to bring with her the girls whom your Charity judges suitable.

We had the honor of a visit from your sister. I am sorry to say that she surprised us and came on a day when Monsieur Vincent was not at Saint-Lazare. I assure you how sorry he was about this. I was not able to tell him where Madame du Plessis² was staying. My continual infirmities have prevented me from visiting her. I had thought to diminish your work a bit by removing a daughter. Will 1 not add to it instead? 1 abandon everything to Divine Providence. The assurance of your charity is also a great comfort to me. It leads me to believe that you consider me, Monsieur, your most obedient daughter and servant.

1. Elisabeth Turgis, see Letter 38.
2. Madame de la Brunetiire du Plessis-Gesti, sister of Monsieur l’abb£ de Vaux. Amicable relations existed between the de Marillac and du Plessis families: the wife of Michel de Marillac (Barbe de la Forterie) was a native of Le Maine.