Chapter 6
The ruse of the rose
“Find out first who she is”
Dean Peyramale, the Cure of Lourdes, is a large, imposing man, of
forty-seven years, with a brusque manner and a severe eye which obscures a
generous and ardent soul. His general appearance and manner is that of a
harsh curmudgeon and some say he is more respected than loved. Yet this
same day Bernadette takes her courage in her hands, confronts the bear in
his den and conveys the lady’s message about a chapel at the Massabielle.
“What is this lady?”
“I don’t know.”
“You have not asked her?”
“Yes, but when I ask her, she smiles but does not reply.”
“And she has instructed you to tell me that she wants a chapel at
Massabielle?”
“Yes.”
Within the priest, a rage is brewing.
“Girl! You are going out of your mind. What! A lady who goes
and perches on a rock! A lady you do not know! A lady who is perhaps as
lunatic as you! This woman comes and tells you to invite us to have a
chapel built for her at the grotto! And you accept such messages? And you
imagine we are fools enough to listen to them? Look here, girl, you are just
a little joker!”
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