On this occasion she excited their suspicions by leading them by an
unaccustomed route down a steep and rocky path, where they had great
difficulty in following her. They finally arrived at the grotto, and
were astounded to observe the change that came over her. She seemed to
be in a state of ecstatic awe.
The ladies were so solemnly impressed by her appearance that they felt
deep regret for having intruded upon so reverent a scene.
"It is a profanation for us to be here," said one.
"You must remain," said Bernadette immediately, as if she had been
directed to stop them.
"Ask who she is," exclaimed Madame Millet, greatly excited. "Here,
take this card and pencil, and beg of her that she will write down her
wishes."
Bernadette took them, and the ladies heard her repeat the request as
she approached the excavation and the divine radiance lighted up her
face. She paused, and for several moments remained in an apparent
state of rapture: then she returned to them, and in reply to their
inquiries said that her "Dame" had said that she saw no necessity to
write her wishes, for she knew Bernadette would obey.
"Obey what?" asked Mademoiselle Peyret. "What did she command you to
do?"
"To come to meet her at the grotto every day for fifteen days."
"Why?"
"I don't know why.
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