The young priest thereupon remembered the ardent desire which Marie had expressed to spend the night in front of the Grotto, and it occurred to him that the Baron might be willing to give the necessary authorisation.
"Certainly," replied the director, who had become quite grave whilst listening to Pierre, "we do sometimes allow it; but it is always a very delicate matter! You assure me at all events that this young person is not consumptive?
Well, well, since you say that she so much desires it I will mention the matter to Father Fourcade and warn Madame de Jonquiere, so that she may let you take the young lady away." He was in reality a very good-natured fellow, albeit so fond of assuming the air of an indispensable man weighed down by the heaviest responsibilities.

In his turn he now detained the visitors, and gave them full particulars concerning the organisation of the Hospitality.

Its members said prayers together every morning.

Two board meetings were held each day, and were attended by all the heads of departments, as well as by the reverend Fathers and some of the chaplains.

All the hospitallers took the Sacrament as frequently as possible.