having left Laurencia in charge with the domestic. After nightfall, Catherine suddenly called Alessia, and told her to put on her cloak and go with her at once to the child that had been entrusted to them; the latter observed that it was unbecoming for females to go out at that hour; but Catherine answered: "Hasten, for the infernal wolf has caught the lamb that we have saved." She and Alessia set out without delay — and when they reached the house they found Laurencia furious, her countenance totally distorted and inflamed. "Ah ! serpent," exclaimed Catherine, " you have dared to enter anew into that innocent child; but I have faith in Jesus my Saviour and Spouse; thou shalt make thy exit, no more to return." Pronouncing these words, she led the child into the place where the prayers had been offered, and after some instants, she brought her back perfectly delivered, and recommended her to take some repose. When morning arrived, she sent for the parents, and said: " Now, you may take your child in all security; she will not be tormented in future." The prophecy has so far been accomplished; Laurencia returned to her monastery and has served God in it, in peace, for more than sixteen years.
Being desirous of knowing more fully what had passed, I interrogated Catherine herself, and I asked her how the demon had been so audacious as to resist the power of relics and even exorcism: she answered that the obstinacy of the evil spirit was so great that she had been forced to dispute with him until four o'clock in the morning: she ordered him to come out in the Name of the Redeemer, and he obstinately refused, but after a prolonged contest, the demon perceiving himself on the point of being driven out, said: " If I leave her, I will
