On the evening when this story was told, Bernadette, before surrendering herself to sleep, would mentally repeat her rosary, delighted with the thought that hell should have been baffled, though she trembled at the idea that it would surely return to prowl around her, as soon as the lamp should have been put out.
Throughout one winter, the long evenings were spent in the church.

Abbe Ader, the village priest, had authorised it, and many families came, in order to economise oil and candles.

Moreover, they felt less cold when gathered together in this fashion.

The Bible was read, and prayers were repeated, whilst the children ended by falling asleep.

Bernadette alone struggled on to the finish, so pleased she was at being there, in that narrow nave whose slender nervures were coloured blue and red.