medical advisers whose orders were faithfully accomplished; but the patient instead of obtaining relief, suffered more. I presume God permitted this, because he desired to display in an admirable manner, the power of his Spouse. The physicians perceiving their prescriptions useless, told me that they had no hope of saving him.
When I gave this news to the religious and the companions who were at table with me, Etienne Maconi left his repast, with a melancholy heart, and hastened to Catherine's room. He threw himself at her feet, melting into tears, conjuring her not to suffer his companion and brother, during a journey undertaken for God and her, to die far from home and be buried in a strange land. Catherine, deeply affected, said to him with maternal tenderness; "Why, my son, do you suffer yourself to be troubled? If God wishes to recompense your brother Neri's labors, you ought not to be afflicted, but on the contrary, rejoice." But Etienne insisted, "0 dearest, kindest mother, I conjure you, hear my petition help him; I am perfectly convinced that you can, if you will." And Catherine, incapable of concealing her tenderness, replied; "I only exhorted you to conform to God's will; but since I see you so sad, when I receive holy communion at to-morrow morning's Mass, remind me of your request and I promise to pray God for your intention — you must yourself pray that he may hear me."
Etienne, quite joyous at having obtained this promise, failed not to present himself to Catherine just as she was going to Mass; he knelt humbly, and said to her: " Mother, I entreat you not to deceive my expectation." Catherine communicated at the Mass and as usual remained a long time in ecstasy. When she had resumed. the use of her senses, she smiled on Etienne, who was
