that he could effect nothing with Catherine, he charged his batteries against the unhappy patient, who was not on her guard. This sower of tares commenced with inspiring a certain wearisomeness of Catherine's services, and ended at length by changing it into an inveterate hatred. As no one except Catherine, was capable of continuing these cares, she attributed her perseverance to a species of pride, in desiring to do more than others; and as hatred easily believes evil of those that it pursues, this wretched woman, more diseased in mind than body, listened to the devil to such a degree, as at last to suspect Catherine's purity, and to believe that she was committing some great sin, when she was absent. Catherine remained firm as a column; she only saw her Spouse and continued with joy, before his eyes, the work of zeal that she had commenced, strong in patience, she laughed at the enemy whose snares she recognized, and she took delight in provoking his anger by practicing charity which is insupportable to him. Then the devil blinded more and more the mind of the old woman, and succeeded in irritating her so far, that she publicly calumniated Catherine in the most shameful manner.
These accusations spread abroad among the Sisters, and some of the more advanced who directed the others, came to visit the sick woman and examine whether these reports had any foundation. Andrea replied whatever the devil suggested to her: the Sisters being extremely provoked, called Catherine, and, after having addressed to her cruel and cutting reproofs, at last asked her how it was possible that she had suffered herself to be seduced and so lose her virginity. Catherine, always humble and patient, contended herself with answering: "I assure you. Ladies and dear Sisters that by the grace of Jesus Christ, I am
