Still, and in spite of all, you may achieve concentration of mind if you observe these three rules: "In the first place you must humble yourself, by owning the frailty of your mind, unable to preserve itself from wandering in the presence of God; next you must not be impatient or restless, for that would only stir up the dregs and bring other objects of frivolity to the surface; finally, it is well not to investigate the nature of the distractions that trouble your prayers till they are over.

This only prolongs the disturbance, and in a way recognizes its existence.

You thus run the risk, in virtue of the law of association of ideas, of inviting new diversions, and there would be no way of escape.
"After prayer you may examine yourself with benefit; follow my advice, and you will find the advantage of it." "That is all very fine," thought Durtal, "but when it comes to putting the advice into practice it is quite another thing.

Are not these mere old women's remedies, precious ointments, quack medicines, for which the pious and virtuous have a weakness ?" They walked on in silence across the forecourt of the palace to the priest's rooms.

As they went in, they found Madame Bavoil at the foot of the stairs, her arms in a tub full of soap-suds.