The latter, girls about to be confirmed, walked in procession and sang the Angelus at the appropriate hours.

The report had spread abroad that Franconnette would entreat the Blessed Virgin to save her from the demon.

The strangers were more kind to her than her immediate neighbours, and from many a pitying heart the prayer went up that a miracle might be wrought in favour of the beautiful maiden.

She felt their sympathy, and it gave her confidence.

The special suppliants passed up to the altar one by one--Anxious mothers, disappointed lovers, orphans and children.