the pious works and holy visits which had induced them to come to Rome.
Jeanne de Capo had her turn in fulfilling the functions of housekeeper. The bread consumed in the house was procured from the daily alms; and Catherine had recommended to the person in charge that each week she should give notice, one day in advance, when the bread would probably fail, in order that she might send other mendicant Religious, or go in quest of it herself. God permitted Jeanne to forget this recommendation on one occasion; in the evening the bread was nearly all consumed; she had not forewarned Catherine and had no means of procuring any. There was scarcely enough of bread for the repast of four persons. Jeanne acknowledged her negligence, and went pensive and mortified to confess her fault and her embarrassment to Catherine. The latter said to her: " Sister, our Lord forgive you for having reduced us to this position, notwithstanding the order I gave you. Now, the whole community are hungry for it is already quite late; and where can bread be procured for so many at so short a notice." Jeanne lamented, confessing her fault, and saying that she had sinned through negligence and merited a penance. " Warn the servants of God to take their places at the table," said Catherine. And when Jeanne observed that there was so little bread, that by dividing it no one would have sufficient, Catherine answered " Tell them to commence with the little that is served, and wait until God provides for their necessities; " — and then she went to prayer.
Jeanne accomplished her orders, and apportioned among them all, the scanty supply of bread. The guests weakened and famished by the continual fasts which they observed (for the greater part,) found their
