the sleeves that belonged to the domestic who was far from being in good circumstances; she dared not take the whole gown; then she began to examine seriously, whether she ought not to give the sole dress that she had reserved: charity whispered yes, modesty said no. Charity triumphed over itself, love for souls was victorious over love for the body. She thought that, if she went out not having on any dress, those who might see her would be scandalized, which must be especially avoided. She therefore answered the poor man thus: " See now, good friend, were it possible for me to remain without this dress, I would most cheerfully give it to you; but as I cannot and I do not find any other just now, I pray you not to wish it of me. If I could, I should be delighted to give you all that you request." The poor man smiled, and said to her: "Yes, I see that you give me most cordially whatever you possibly can; farewell." As he was leaving, Catherine fancied that she recognized by certain signs that it was the heavenly Guest who so frequently appeared to her, and who deigned to converse familiarly with her. Her heart was at once troubled and inflamed, but humility persuaded her, that she was unworthy of such a favor and then she continued her usual daily exercises.
The night following, while Catherine was praying, the Saviour of the world, our Lord Jesus Christ, appeared to her, under the figure of the destitute man, holding in his hand the garment that she had given him, richly embroidered with pearls and glittering with precious stones. "Beloved Daughter," said the Lord to her, "do you recognize this garment?" And when she replied affirmatively, but that she had not given it so richly adorned — our Saviour added; "yesterday, thou gave me this article with great love; by charity clothed
