Page:Life and life-work of Mother Theodore Guerin Foundress.djvu/70

58 It was necessary now to make known her resolution to her father and mother. The Count was inconsolable; his many reverses and sufferings caused him to feel unequal to the trial of making another sacrifice in the departure of his daughter from the parental fireside. He entreated her most piteously not to inflict another grief upon him; and as he was in very feeble health, it was agreed by those to whom Mlle. du Roscoät appealed for advice that she should remain at home till after her father's death, which in all probability would soon occur. The Countess, her mother, placed no obstacle to the fulfilment of her daughter's vocation; so, in 1818, after the Count had gone to his eternal reward, Mlle. du Roscoät set out for Ruillé-sur-Loir.

She found "Little Providence" in a barren spot three miles from the village. From the moment of her arrival Father Dujarié never doubted the success of his work. From the day of her admission it began to develop in a surprising manner, this Rose of the Wood (referring to the etymology of the family name) being to the good, simple souls associated together there what a warm rain is to seed confided to the earth. At her entrance there were at "Little Providence" only four Sisters and six novices. The house was poor beyond description. All that presented itself to view was capable of discouraging the most intrepid. When asked later what impressions the surroundings had made on her, she candidly acknowledged that at first she shook with chills of repugnance, but that the grace of her vocation soon caused them to dissipate, leaving in her heart a most tender love for that extreme poverty.