1642-52.] FOUNDRESS OF THE URSULINES. 187 



traditions are true; but there is more of reason 

 than of uncharitableness in the belief, that her zeal 

 would have been less ardent and sustained, if it 

 had had fewer spectators. She was now fairly 

 committed to the conventual life, her enthusiasm 

 was kept within prescribed bounds, and she was no 

 longer mistress of her own movements. On the 

 one hand, she was anxious to accumulate merits 

 against the Day of Judgment ; and, on the other, 

 she had a keen appreciation of the applause which 

 the sacrifice of her fortune and her acts of piety 

 had gamed for her. Mortal vanity takes many 

 shapes. Sometimes it arrays itself in silk and 

 jewels; sometimes it walks in sackcloth, and speaks 

 the language of self-abasement. In the convent, 

 as in the world, the fair devotee thhsted for admi- 

 ration. The halo of saintship glittered in her eyes 

 like a diamond crown, and she aspu'ed to outshine 

 her sisters in humility. She was as sincere as 

 Simeon Stylites on his column ; and, like him, found 

 encouragement and comfort in the gazing and 

 wondering eyes below. ^ 



A Madame de la Peltrie died in her convent in 1671. Marie de I'ln- 

 carnation died the following year. She had the consolation of knowing 

 tnat her son had fulfilled her ardent wishes, and become a priest. 



