He felt no resentment for his misguided assailant--he would willingly have exposed himself to a second attack, could he have thus restored her reason.

The memento of the crucifixion--that Catholic alphabet, the crucifix--held up unto his soul the wondrous truth that God had voluntarily suffered, for the sake of man, all that humanity can endure; and the youth interiorly acknowledged that the errors of his life were but imperfectly balanced by the inconvenience he then experienced.
It is not in the pride of health and youth, surrounded by pleasure, and strangers to care, that a heart, wedded to the world, is apt to prostrate itself in humility before the Author of life; but in danger and affliction, we learn to mistrust our self-sufficiency, and feel our complete dependence upon an invisible and almighty power.

We are much more disposed to appeal to heaven for protection, than to return thanks for repeated favors.

It is not to be wondered at, then, that Gilbert sought relief in prayer; there is nothing more natural to one who prefers the consolations of religion to the staff of philosophy.

He was far indeed from that exalted perfection of loving God for Himself alone; but who can predict what may spring from the mustard-seed?
By the first gray light of the morning Father Omehr was bending over his youthful charge: Gilbert was fast asleep..