St. Therese of Lisieux in
Story of a SoulMy first victory of the kind, though not a great one, cost me a good deal. It happened that a small jar which had been left by a window was found broken. Believing that I was the culprit our Novice Mistress reproached me for leaving it about, adding that I was most untidy and must be more careful for the future. She seemed displeased, so without saying a word in self-defense I kissed the ground and promised to be more orderly. I was so little advanced in perfection that even trifles like these cost me dear, as I have said, and I found it necessary to console myself with the thought that all would come to light on the day of Judgment.
I endeavored, above all, to practise little hidden acts of virtue, such as folding the mantles which the Sisters had forgotten and being on the alert to render them help. I had also a great attraction towards penance, although I was not allowed to satisfy the desire. Indeed the only mortification I was permitted was the overcoming of my self-love, which did me far more good than any bodily penance could have done.