In the Lowlands, on the Rhine, and in Canada." "In Canada! Ah! What nobler ambition could woman have than to be a member of that sweet sisterhood which was founded by the holy Marie de l'Incarnation and the sainted Jeanne le Ber at Montreal?
It was but the other day that I had an account of them from Father Godet des Marais.
What joy to be one of such a body, and to turn from the blessed work of converting the heathen to the even more precious task of nursing back health and strength into those of God's warriors who have been struck down in the fight with Satan!" It was strange to De Catinat, who knew well the sordid and dreadful existence led by these same sisters, threatened ever with misery, hunger, and the scalping-knife, to hear this lady at whose feet lay all the good things of this earth speaking enviously of their lot.
"They are very good women," said he shortly, remembering Mademoiselle Nanon's warning, and fearing to trench upon the dangerous subject.
"And doubtless you have had the privilege also of seeing the holy Bishop Laval ?" "Yes, madame, I have seen Bishop Laval." "And I trust that the Sulpitians still hold their own against the Jesuits ?" "I have heard, madame, that the Jesuits are the stronger at Quebec, and the others at Montreal." "And who is your own director, monsieur ?" De Catinat felt that the worst had come upon him.

"I have none, madame." "Ah, it is too common to dispense with a director, and yet I know not how I could guide my steps in the difficult path which I tread if it were not for mine.

Who is your confessor, then ?" "I have none.

I am of the Reformed Church, madame." The lady gave a gesture of horror, and a sudden hardening showed itself in mouth and eye.

"What, in the court itself," she cried, "and in the neighbourhood of the king's own person!" De Catinat was lax enough in matters of faith, and held his creed rather as a family tradition than from any strong conviction, but it hurt his self-esteem to see himself regarded as though he had confessed to something that was loathsome and unclean.