"During this journey there happened to St. Joseph something which excited his wonder. Inspired by a special grace, he bore to his spouse a most tender and holy love, and the saint, being of a noble nature, amiable, agreeable and obliging, was inclined to an ever watchful care for her. Now, as the Queen of heaven carried in her virginal bosom the Incarnate Word, the saint was sensible that, through the words and conversation of his spouse, new impressions were made upon his soul, but of the cause he was ignorant. He found himself more and more inflamed by divine love, and in a higher knowledge of those mysteries which formed the subjects of their conversation; and the further they advanced on their way and in their discussions, the more these favors were augmented. He felt also that the words of his spouse served as the organ, by means of which these favors were communicated to him. It was not possible that the discreet St. Joseph should not reflect upon this new and wonderful influence."

"St. Joseph went on before to give notice to the inmates of the house, and, having knocked _at the door, he saluted them, saying: ‘“ May the Lord be with you, and fill your souls with His divine grace.” St. Elizabeth had been already warned of their coming, for the same Lord had . revealed to her that her cousin Mary of Nazareth was on her way to visit her. Now, having heard of her arrival, she came forth quickly, with others of her family, to receive the holy Virgin, who saluted her first, saying: “ The Lord be with you, my dear cousin.” ‘“ And may the same Lord,” replied Elizabeth, “reward you for having taken the trouble to give me this consolation.”