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238 her stay at St. Valerie. The many religious observances by which she was surrounded—the folly of some, the emptiness of others—turned her thoughts, more than ever, to the sacred pages, whose perusal was now the chief employment of her solitude. Study and thought gave her religious feelings of an imaginative character. She saw in religion, not a mere refuge in the time of trouble, or a relief when the heart longed to pour forth its joy—not an expression of passionate gratitude, or still more passionate sorrow; but the great rule of all action. Every other motive for good might fail, this divine one never. Gradually the fear of God became more present to her eyes; and the religion that had been a strong and beautiful feeling, was soon a firm and active principle. The more she studied that small English Bible, the more she was penetrated by its truth, and enlightened with its meaning. In the convent of St. Valerie that faith which became the guide and comfort of her future life was most strengthened and confirmed. One morning, with an air of important intelligence, Sister Lucie entered her cell. "If you will go down into the garden, you will see the young English nun, who has been so ill