took place, several hundred people were present; later on they might be counted by thousands. The girl passed through the crowd of spectators with a perfectly unassuming yet unembarrassed demeanor. No one but herself saw the apparition, yet every one observed that at the time she was rapt in ecstasy. Once a doctor held a lighted taper under her hand, but she did not move a muscle, and evidently felt no pain. He made the same experiment when the apparition had disappeared; she then screamed with pain. Twice during this period the figure failed to appear; then Bernadette returned home sorrowful and in tears. The priest of the place did not . interfere at all in the matter; yet the enemies of religion declared that it was a fraud, concocted by wily priests. The girl was taken to the police station and examined by a magistrate; but there was no ground for arresting her, so she was discharged. On one of the occasions, whereon Our Lady appeared clothed in light, she said to her: ‘‘ Go and tell the priest that it is my will that a church should be erected here to which the people shall come in procession.” Bernadette accordingly went to the parish priest and delivered the message. He bade her tell the lady first of all to give a proof of her power, and let that proof; be making the rosebush at her feet come into leaf and blossom in the winter. The next time the lady appeared, Bernadette did as she was desired; but the lady did not comply with the request; her reply was: “ Penance, penance, penance! ” Somewhat later she said to the girl, ‘‘ Drink some of the water of this spring, and wash yourself in it.” The child put her
