of her life, Catherine literally fulfilled her promise , every morning and every evening, she visited the patient in person and gave her whatever was necessary; she contemplated in this poor leper, the spouse of her soul and assisted her in every possible way, and with an indescribable respect and love.
The exalted virtue of Catherine, however, only inspired the leprous woman with pride and ingratitude; this is quite usual with minds destitute of humility, they exalt themselves when they ought to humble themselves, and offer insults in return for benefits that deserve thanks. Catherine's charity and humility rendered Teeca arrogant and irritable. When she saw Catherine so solicitous in serving her, she considered the charitable attentions due to her, and scolded her benefactress with injurious words, when every thing did not conform to her wishes. Often the servant of our Lord, prolonged her morning devotions in the Church and hence came later than usual to the hospital. On such occasions Teeca would display her ill-temper, in phrases like this: "Good morning, my Lady, Queen of Fonte-Branda (this was the name of the section of the city in which Catherine resided:) your Majesty takes pleasure in staying the livelong day in the Church of the Friars; it is there you have wasted all this forenoon I am sure, my fine lady: you are never weary of the dear Friars ! " She strove to irritate her by such words; but Catherine always calm, appeased her in the best way she could, and answered with as much meekness and humility as if she had been her own mother — begging her to be quiet for the love of our blessed Lord: "I have been a little late it is true, but soon all your little wants shall be attended to " — and quickly lighting the fire and putting on water, she would prepare her food,
