None of them ever despaired, each fresh miracle was the promise of another one, of the one which would be worked on themselves.

Their faith remained unshakable.

A story was told of a paralytic woman, some farm servant, who with extraordinary strength of will had contrived to take a few steps at the Grotto, and who while being conveyed back to the hospital had asked to be set down that she might return to the Grotto on foot.

But she had gone only half the distance when she had staggered, panting and livid; and on being brought to the hospital on a stretcher, she had died there, cured, however, said her neighbours in the ward.

Each, indeed, had her turn; the Blessed Virgin forgot none of her dear daughters unless it were her design to grant some chosen one immediate admission into Paradise.
All at once, at the moment when Pierre was leaning towards her, again offering to read to her, Marie burst into furious sobs.