but God I presume suffered it, in order to increase the honor of his faithful servant. The blessed Ambrose who already enjoyed beatitude, desired to leave the credit of the miracle to Catherine who was continuing her earthly pilgrimage, and thus make known her virtues to the faithful, even before her death: several of Catherine's acquaintances advised the parents of Laurencia to present their child to her, but when they attempted it, Catherine answered: " Alas ! I am myself daily tormented by the demons: how do you imagine that I can deliver others ? " And as she could not escape by the door, without meeting those who came, she hid herself so completely in the attic that they could not find her. The parents retired, without having obtained anything; but this proof of humility and this flight from human esteem, inspired them with greater confidence in her sanctity, and induced them to demand her assistance with greater ardor. As they could not procure access to her, because she forbade all her companions to speak to her of this affair, they had recourse to Friar Thomas, as her confessor, to whom they knew Catherine was very submissive. They exposed their misfortune to him, and entreated him to oblige Catherine in the name of holy obedience to help them in their affliction. Friar Thomas felt an extreme compassion for their trouble, but he knew that his authority did not extend so far as to oblige Catherine to the performance of miracles, and as he feared to wound her humility, he made use of the following expedient: one evening while Catherine was absent, he conducted the little possessed into her oratory, and said to one of her companions who remained in the house: " Tell Catherine, when she will return, that I command her in virtue of holy obedience, to allow that child to remain
