Chapter 11 Nine sisters talk about elder brothers

In order to explain the family situation of the Bishop of Digne, in order to explain how the two saintesses used their actions, thoughts, and even the female's frightened instincts to submit to the habits and wishes of the bishop, which made it difficult for him to even give orders. No, we had better transcribe here a letter written by Mademoiselle Baptistine to her childhood friend, the Vicomtesse de Beauchevron.The letter is in our hands. From this letter we can see that the two women knew how to adapt the bishop's way of life with that feminine genius of understanding men better than men.The Bishop of Digne, with that invariable, mild-mannered air, sometimes performed great, bold, and brilliant actions, without seeming even to himself.They were nervous about those things, but let him do it.Madame Magloire sometimes tried to persuade her beforehand, but never during or afterward.When the action had already begun, they never stopped him, not even showing any color.Sometimes they only half understood that he was doing the bishop's duty; he didn't say it himself, and he didn't even necessarily feel that way, because his heart was so simple. Therefore, they are just two shadows at home.They served him passively, and if obedience required retreat, they retreated.They knew, with a gratifying instinct of tenderness, that certain concerns would embarrass him.I don't say they could read his mind, but they knew his character, and if they knew he was in danger, they had no choice but to ask.They entrusted him to God.

And Baptistine used to say, as we have just read, that her brother's misfortune was her own.Madame Magloire did not say that, but she knew it.