The only possible explanation was that the poor girl’s illness and the loss of her lover had turned her brain.

It was so circumstantial, with such precise detail, that she would not have been unwilling to credit it if only it hadn’t been incredible. She listened to Catalina’s story with dismay. She had known a lot of trouble, two children she had had before Catalina had died, but she had accepted this, as well as her husband’s desertion, as a mortification sent to try her, for she was extremely pious and being a practical woman, not accustomed to cry over spilt milk, had found solace in hard work, the offices of the Church, and the care of her daughter and of her wilful brother Domingo. Maria Perez had been good-looking in her youth, but now in middle age she had grown stout as do many Spanish women with advancing years. It was before I went to sleep.” Then she related the extraordinary thing that had happened to her.

But now you’re awake you can help me to get the supper ready.” “But I wasn’t dreaming. I saw you were asleep when I came in and I thought I’d let you sleep on. She spoke to me.” “Don’t be silly, child. “Clean the carrots for me, will you, and cut them up.” “But, Mother, listen. “Mother, the Blessed Virgin has appeared to me.” “Yes, dear?” Maria answered. “Catalina could not wait a minute longer.

Quote by angelica catalini