he refused saying that he did such jobs through penitence, and he would not benefit from them if he took pay.
During this dialogue, Adelaide rang. A sister opened and threw herself at the feet of the princess saying:
"Whoever you may be, bless me because I am a great sinner."
Adelaide became moved and raised her up. She had such a sensitive nature that any such expression of goodness played on her heart strings.
"My sister," she said, "believe that no matter how great your sins may be, Heaven will pardon them when your repentance is known … May one come into this holy retreat? Can one become warmed at the celestial fire of your souls?" "Please tell me who you are, Milady," answered the sister, "and I will go to announce you to the abbess."
"Will you tell her that I have come here to find out more about this convent and that my name is of little consequence."
"I am going, Milady," said the sister, "and my answer will be quick in coming."
"If that poor woman is a sinner," said Bathilda, "what are
Adelaide uttered a sigh.
"Yes, my friend," she said, "we are far from that perfection."
The sister soon returned to say that the nuns were all at mass and the abbess asked them to attend while they were waiting for her to receive them.
They entered the chapel and there they were impressed by the sight of more than a hundred women on their knees, their arms held towards Heaven, reciting in this attitude sublime words which seemed to open the vault above them and to go right to their destination. With what fervor did Adelaide join them in saying this verse:
"May my enemies blush and be filled with fear; let them retire quickly and may they be covered with confusion."
How beautiful Adelaide was in this situation which was characterized by repentence, vengeance and religion! It was no longer her soul which expressed itself; it was that of the prophet which expressed itself through her. The nuns looked
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