At the ninth apparition, Mary asked Bernadette to scrape the ground, saying to her "Go to the spring, drink of it and wash yourself there." Wondering where the spring might be, Bernadette looked and only saw a puddle nearby. There is only a little muddy water to begin with, enough for Bernadette to drink. At first this water is muddy and dirty then, little by little, it becomes clear. "You will p ray to God for sinners." The lady said. Bernadette was asked what the lady said to her. Then the lady once more spoke: "Penance, penance, penance, pray for sinners." The muddied face of Bernadette disgusted some of the spectators. Some also doubt Bernadette's mental state. The moment is harsh to her. As Bernadette left the grotto, the tiny spring continued to well up and by the next day was flowing steadily down into the river. The people regarded its discovery by Bernadette as a miracle. On March 25, Bernadette started for the grotto ...