From the time that death deprived him of his beloved child, Mr. Dupont’s life was characterized by additional fervor, and he advanced in the path of perfection. Hitherto, he had remained somewhat a man of the world; hereafter, we shall see him thoroughly detached from earth, and having no other relations with his fellow-beings but those inspired by zeal and charity. On the day that Henrietta was buried, he distributed, what he called her “trousseau,” — an abundant alms to all the communities of the city. A large portion of the dower he had destined for her, was consecrated to establishing the Little Sisters of the Poor. Mr. Dupont had, for a long time, been acquainted with their founder. Their friendship commenced in the following manner.

We have already said that for many years ho was accustomed to go in the autumn with his mother and daughter to Saint-Servan for the benefit of the sea-bathing. In 1843, he made the acquaintance, whilst there, of a young vicar, who, in his zeal for the salvation of souls, was striving to form a community of religious, whose peculiar object should be to take care of the aged poor of both sexes, and prepare them for death. This vicar was M. l’Abbé Le Pailleur, and the community he founded, was that of the Little Sisters of the Poor, at that time only a grain of mustard seed, but which, ere long, was destined to increase and become the spreading tree, whose wonderful branches and still more wonderful fruits are, to-day, the admiration of other countries as well as of our own. With the vivacity of his faith and his intelligent love of the poor, Mr. Dupont discerned, at a glance, the fitness and the eminently evangelical spirit of the new Institution. Invited by the vicar to visit the humble dwelling which saw the commencement of the work, he witnessed the prodigies of charity already accomplished in this asylum of the aged. He was deeply touched, and, thenceforth, he was inviolably attached to the new Congregation which found in him a devoted friend during his whole life.

The Little Sisters of the Poor soon became aware of his interest in their undertaking, and, in the difficulties which beset their path in the early days of their Institute, they often appealed to his generous charity. The Superior General, Sister Mary Augustine of Compassion, considered him as one of their greatest benefactors. Mr. Le Pailleur placed entire confidence in him, and imparted to him all the plans he had formed for the development of his work. He informed him, also, of a project he contemplated for the establishment of a society of missionary priests, to be employed among the peasantry.

A strange circumstance unexpectedly enabled Mr. Dupont to give important aid to this project. One of his friends, who owned land at Bougligny in the dioceses of Meaux, died at Paris, his usual residence, having bequeathed to him all his property. This friend was Mr. Bordier, the fervent Christian who labored so earnestly for the instruction of the little Savoyards, and with whom he had been on intimate terms since their first acquaintance. Mr. Bordier had frequently told him that it was his intention to make him heir to all his possessions, and to confide to him after his death the expenditure of his fortune. Mr. Dupont always excused himself, alleging, as a reason for his refusal, that he had already too much to attend to in managing his own property. What then was his astonishment, on receiving from Mr. Bordier’s lawyer a letter announcing to him the death of his friend, and, at the same time, communicating to him the intelligence that he was the sole heir to the property. He thus found himself, notwithstanding his former refusal, possessed of a large estate situated in the diocese of Meaux, yielding an annual income of twelve thousand francs. Mr. Dupont was well aware that, in bequeathing this fortune to him, it was Mr. Bordier’s intention that he should enjoy it as his own private fund; he had even particularly requested, that if his friend preferred to expend it in works of charity, he would, at least retain a portion for himself. He was greatly embarrassed. He was, as it were, stunned when the news reached him, as he himself relates. “But,” he said, “why did Bordier select me for his heir? What does Bordier wish me to do with his fortune? I do not need it.” Then reflecting upon the affair he thought: “Evidently Bordier intends me to continue his good works! To which one of them should I devote it?” Fatigued, and uncertain how to act in the affair, he fell asleep without having found a satisfactory solution to the question. The following morning, he went to Mass, as was his custom, begging light from God as to the course he should pursue. He received the answer to his prayer the moment he communicated. Scarcely had the Body of our Lord rested upon his tongue, when the two names, Bordier, Le Pailleur… Bordier, Le Pailleur… arose to his mind, inseparably united as though by an invincible power, and as if a voice from heaven directed him to aid the apostolic projects confided to him by the one, with the pecuniary resources so unexpectedly, but so opportunely, furnished by the other. So powerful was the impression made upon him, that Mr. Dupont did not hesitate to act in accordance with it. He wrote at once to Mr. Le Pailleur, to make known to him the fortune which had come into his possession, at the same time placing it at his disposition, if he still desired to execute the design of which he had frequently spoken. Mr. Le Pailleur accepted the offer made him by his friend, and after consulting God in prayer, they decided that the association destined to prepare missionaries to labor among the peasantry, should be established at Bougligny upon Mr. Bordier’s estate.

It does not come within our plan to relate the circumstances connected with that work, which, ultimately, became an association of diocesan missionaries, under the name of Priests of Our Lady of Hope. We shall only add, that Mr. Dupont exhibited as much delicacy and generosity towards the relatives of Mr, Bordier, as he had evinced disinterestedness where he was personally concerned, and zeal in regard to the missionaries. The family of Mr. Bordier were so displeased on finding their expectations as to his property frustrated, that they attempted to invalidate the will. But as it was properly-drawn up, and the testator had only used his undoubted right to bequeath his property as he wished, they could advance no reason of sufficient weight to annul the provisions he chose to make. After the members of the family discovered the disinterested and conciliatory spirit of the legatee, their sentiments changed in his regard, and they withdrew their opposition. Then, Mr. Dupont, having the incontestable right to dispose of the property as he chose, gave a portion of it to the natural heirs, who often expressed their gratitude for his kindness. He was equally admired in the diocese of Meaux, where his name was inscribed among those of the greatest benefactors.

The ties of friendship which united him to Mr. Le Pailleur became still closer and more spiritual, as we may judge from the following incident. Having successfully concluded a business transaction connected with the association at Bougligny, Mr. Le Pailleur had written hurriedly to Mr. Dupont, to inform him of the fact, and, expressing his gratitude, he added: “How good is God! Let us repeat it a thousand times.” After having mailed the letter, Mr. Le Pailleur was forced, by important affairs, to undertake a journey which obliged him to pass through Tours. He set off and arrived, unexpectedly, at Mr. Dupont’s about ten o’clock in the evening, fatigued, dusty, and hungry, after having travelled all day. Mr. Dupont, who had received the letter of his friend only a few minutes previously, animated by the sentiments of joy and gratitude it suggested, had knelt to offer a prayer of thanksgiving. Seeing Mr. Le Pailleur enter, he took him by the arm, and, wholly absorbed in the one idea, without a thought of the possible necessities of the traveler, he gently drew him upon his knees by his side and said to him: “You come just in time. I was repeating a thousand times: How good is God! Quam bonus Deus Israel!”

The man of adoration and divine praise had taken in a literal sense the words of Mr. Le Pailleur, and had at once commenced repeating the aspiration his gratitude had suggested. “Look,” he added, showing the rosary he held in his hand to mark the number of his acts of praise, “I have already made five hundred. We will continue them together. It is as little as we can do in return for so great a favor.” Mr. Le Pailleur, acceded to the request, and the two repeated with the liveliest sentiments of gratitude and piety: “How good is God! How good is God!” until they completed the number of times specified. It was only after he had fulfilled this duty, that Mr. Dupont descended from the higher regions of faith and prayer, and noticing how absent-minded he had been, hastened to attend to the wants of his friend.

One of the fruits of this holy friendship, was the foundation of a house of the Little Sisters of the Poor at Tours. There were many difficulties to be overcome, but Mr. Dupont succeeded in removing them. Three Sisters arrived at Tours on the 30th of December, 1846, at four o’clock in the morning. The fatigue of the journey, the cold weather, would, certainly, have dispensed them from attending Mass the day of their arrival. “But,” they said, “what can we do without Jesus? Where shall we find elsewhere the strength necessary to fulfil our duties in our new undertaking?” They were met, according to promise, by Mr. Dupont who accompanied them to church where they communicated. After this, they breakfasted with Mr. Dupont, who esteemed it an honor, as well as a pleasure, to entertain them. They accepted his hospitality until the 6th of January, Feast of the Epiphany. That evening, in order to honor, in the poor, the royalty of Jesus Christ, they commenced their duties, and established themselves at Notre-Dame-la-Riche in a house prepared for them by the kindness of Mr. Dupont. One old woman was already there, sent to them providentially, as Mr. Dupont relates. “Passing through the city, I had the opportunity of inquiring concerning the Penitentiary where I had not been for several days. I met one of the guards and asked him: ‘How are you getting on at the Penitentiary?’ ‘A great misfortune has just happened?’ ‘What! at the Penitentiary?’ ‘No, sir, in the house where I live.’ ‘But what is it?’ ‘It is the death of a young man.’ ‘How did he die? Suddenly? Did he commit suicide? ‘Oh! no, sir; he died after a long illness, four days ago. He was the only support of an aged mother; and now he is dead, what will become of her? Poor woman! She is eighty-four years old. I feel so keenly for her, that I mention her to you, although she did not ask me to do so.’ My answer gave me no difficulty that day, as it was the one appointed for the departure of the Little Sisters from Rennes for Tours. I said to the good man: ‘Recommend this woman to have great confidence in God, Who will soon afford her relief in her miseries.’ “The poor woman was received on the Epiphany. The Little Sisters commenced their work of charity by giving their attention to this poor creature who went to them in rags and covered with vermin. She was not of an amiable disposition, and she furnished the community with many opportunities of practicing patience.

Mr. Dupont desired to accompany the Little Sisters to their dwelling where he had sent beforehand beds, wood, and provisions. Knowing that they were in need of many other things, he used his influence with his relatives and acquaintances to secure sufficient alms to provide for their daily necessities. Notwithstanding their poverty, which the aid thus obtained for them relieved only in part, they admitted many old women, all interesting to the Sisters by their different miseries. Mr. Dupont wrote on the 22nd of January, 1847: “There are seven old women at the home. All goes on well. They have begun to work, and thus they help a little for their support. God blesses the good work. The last poor woman received this morning, had had nothing to drink for four days, only a few dry crusts to eat, and was lying on a little straw more dead than alive, when she was made chappy by the sight of a human face.’ ’ He relates the entrance of another: “I could give you many affecting details of the good women received into this pious asylum. Last Saturday I went there in the evening. Supper was over and the old women were in bed. The Sisters proposed to me to enter and see the last one who had arrived just at supper time. We made no noise so as not to awaken them.” We approached the bed and spoke in a very low tone. The poor old woman, who was eighty-three years old, sat up in the bed. ‘Oh! you are not asleep!’ ‘I asleep! How could I go to sleep so soon on such a bed as this? I, who have been lying alone on straw laid on the ground! I asleep! Why the pleasure of being so comfortable will keep one awake all night.’”

Not long after the establishment of the Little Sisters, Mr. Dupont met one of the vicars of the Cathedral; he stopped him and pointing to heaven said: “Would you believe it possible? The rich, the high-born of this world give large sums, they lavish gold and silver to purchase the service of domestics, and they are poorly served. And behold! the bare-footed poor, the diseased, are served… as God Himself is served!… And by whom? By Sisters! By the friends of God! By the Little Sisters of the Poor!”

In consequence of the inundation of the preceding year, the year 1847 was a season of general distress and privation for every one. The Little Sisters of the Poor, placing their trust in Providence, refused none of the old people whom heaven sent them; but the house they occupied was so inconvenient that they were obliged to change their residence, and the 1st of July was the day appointed by them to go to their new dwelling. Mr. Dupont wished to be with them when they moved. He worked like a hired laborer and with so much interest, that his servant was obliged to remind him that he had not dined; as it was a fast-day, and he always fasted very strictly, he had remained without food until noon. After seeing all their poor utensils arranged in their new home, Mr. Dupont noticed that many articles were needed. He furnished a quantity at his own expense. When there was question, in 1848, of purchasing the house which the Sisters occupy at the present time, he showed the utmost zeal in conducting the negotiations. He had just lost his daughter, and the poor were to be his adopted children: the dower he destined for Henrietta, was devoted to the Little Sisters, the servants of the poor.

How kind he was to their house in Tours! He interested himself in their least necessities; he often visited the old people, always treating them with the utmost kindness: under every circumstance he appeared happy to render any service to the Sisters. He would often stop on the street the venders of vegetables, fruit or fish, and purchase their stock, which he would direct them to deliver to the Little Sisters. His countenance, on such occasions, expressed the delight he felt in giving pleasure to the old people and procuring them an agreeable surprise. If at any time he noticed they were in need of a useful or necessary article he would, at once, procure it for them. For instance, remarking one day, that the kettles were all of copper, he ordered others, fearing an accident might happen.

This devotion to the Little Sisters was exhibited under all circumstances, and sometimes it arose to heroism. In 1853 a contagious fever spread through the city. Seventy-five among the old people were attacked by it. Mr. Dupont visited them several times a day in order to give them comfort, and often performed for them the most menial services.

In 1854 Tours was attacked by the cholera. The house of the Little Sisters of the Poor did not escape the scourge. They were sorely tried on that occasion; in the course of a few days, they lost nineteen old men, one religious, and a postulant. Their friend visited them as constantly that year, as he had done in the preceding one, although he exposed himself to the imminent danger of contagion. When ten Sisters were ill at the same time, and there remained only three to attend to the whole establishment, he begged alms for them, taking to them, besides his own offerings, the small coin he collected from house to house; and he continued this act of charity as long as the epidemic lasted.

He felt for the old people a tender affection which only charity could inspire. If he was seen, on certain days, directing his steps towards Notre-Dame-la-Riche, having the large pockets of his overcoat filled with cakes and candies, all knew he had prepared a pleasant surprise, a treat for the good old oxen and women of the Little Sisters. If, again, he was noticed picking up the pins which lay in his path, he would say pleasantly: “They are for our old people.” Whenever he visited them, he had a kind word to say to each individually, and he spoke to them in general of “the good God.” He listened patiently to the requests made to him, and supplied all their little wants. He rarely left the house without having bestowed an abundant alms. He was ingenious in devising means to amuse them, and often provided little entertainments for them. Although feeble and suffering in the latter years of his life, he went once a week to visit them; and when, at last, he was confined to his room, he would go to his window, which overlooked the garden, to assure himself that the fruits and vegetables were laid aside for the Little Sisters. The greater portion of the fine beans which he cultivated, were destined for the good old people who appreciated the kindness, and loved him as a benefactor and a father.

The happiness of this noble Christian was at its height, when, during the annual retreats, he beheld some of the old men resuming the practice of their religious duties, which they had neglected, perhaps, for many years. He always assisted at the exercises of the retreat, and he regarded it as an honor to serve them at table on the day of its conclusion. He never neglected to furnish for that entertainment a few bottles of his Martinique rum. On one occasion, when he was serving them with the clergyman who had given the retreat, his attention was attracted to a poor blind man recently received in the house, whose spiritual condition had caused the Sisters great anxiety. Despairing of salvation, he had talked of committing suicide. But he made the retreat, he was now at peace with God, he had fed on the bread of angels, and his heart was so overflowing with joy, that even when seated at table, he expressed his feelings aloud. “Is it then true, O my God,” he said, “that Thou hast, this day, given Thyself entirely to me?” Mr. Dupont heard him, he was triumphant, he was in an ecstasy of delight. He knows not “how to thank God,” he says, “for the wonderful graces imparted to this soul, which had been so rebellious.”

Mr. Dupont continued during his whole life to interest himself in the Little Sisters of the Poor. Once in the depth of winter, he ordered, through his friend Mr. d’Avrainville, some beans to be forwarded to them from Nice. He wrote to his friend: “If the snow will permit the wagon of the Little Sisters to pass through the streets, your supposition as to the ‘gala’ on Christmas-day will be verified. They will thank you heartily at the Little Sisters for the bag which arrived safely from Nice, and they will add: ‘May God reward you!’ It is nine o’clock,” he continues, “and the snow is still falling. The Little Sister caterer will not be able to come: but the opportunity of doing justice to your present, (Mr. Dupont himself had paid the expense), will soon offer.”

He was ingenious in giving to others the credit of suggestions made by himself, and he considered a kindness done to the Little Sisters as a personal favor. He wrote to the same friend: “You made the mouths of the Little Sisters water, by telling them of a certain wonderful churn. As the poor churn they have been using, is now wholly past service, I beg you to send me one of the kind you mentioned: charge it, of course, to my account.” A short time afterwards, he acknowledged the receipt of the churn and returned his thanks. The sprightly tone of the letter indicates his interest in the most trifling concerns of the community. “The Little Sisters accept the churn with gratitude, and they anticipate having some good butter to offer you when you next visit Tours. I hope our Lord will so arrange affairs for you that you will not defer, beyond next Summer, the little pleasure the Sisters promise themselves in offering you the fruit of their work.” In the meantime, he wishes to give him news of “the churn and its product.” “Perfect!” he exclaims; “I know it by my own experience this morning. The butter sent me by the Sisters was excellent; and moreover, the churning proves advantageous to them. They buy six francs worth of milk a week, which, after it is skimmed, is still good; from the cream, they make three pounds of butter: butter is now selling in market at twenty-four sous the pound. I will send you, by the first opportunity, a pot of this butter that you, also, may pronounce as to its quality.”

Thus, Mr. Dupont, in his affectionate charity for the poor, made himself little and simple with the little and simple. It was for that reason that he appreciated so highly the simplicity of the good Sisters, who, in his opinion, owed to this virtue the gift of intelligence of heavenly things. He wrote to his friend concerning his “Thoughts on the Love of God,” of which he wished a second edition: “I intend it to be sent to the Noviceship of the Little Sisters, where they will be pleased to have it, because I have had occasion to read portions of it to Sisters who have passed through Tours, and they are very fond of such books. When you come to Tours, we will visit the Little Sisters, and you will see how clearly they comprehend the most elevated thoughts on the interior life. They owe this, not to their education, but to their incredible simplicity of soul.”

On their side, the veneration the Sisters entertained for Mr. Dupont was such as they would feel for a saint. When he died, all expressed their enduring gratitude for the favors he had bestowed upon their Congregation, and for his affectionate and unfailing devotion to their houses and their poor. They continue, to the present day, to speak of him with the same reverence, the same filial affection, as when, during his life, he visited their old men and women.