Dying to the world, we find the Life Eternal." On her knees upon the floor, Sister Seraphine felt her position to be such as lent itself to pathos.
"But I want to _live_ to the world!" she cried, and burst into tears.
Now Convent life does not tend to further individual grief.

Constant devout contemplation of the Supreme Sorrow which wrought the world's salvation lessens the inclination to shed tears of self-pity.
The Prioress was startled and alarmed by the pathetic sobs of Sister Seraphine.
This young nun had but lately been sent on to the Nunnery at Whytstone from a convent at Tewkesbury in which she had served her novitiate, and taken her final vows.

The Prioress now realised how little she knew of the inner working of the mind of Sister Seraphine, and blamed herself for having looked upon the outward appearance rather than upon the heart, taken too much for granted, and relied too entirely upon the reports of others.

Her sense of failure, toward the Community in general, and toward Seraphine in particular, lent her a fresh stock of patience.
She raised the weeping nun from the floor, put her arm around her, with protective gesture, and led her before the Shrine of the Madonna.
"My child," she said, "there are things we are called upon to suffer which we can best tell to our blessed Lady, herself.

Try to unburden your heart and find comfort.