Page 90 - FLIPBOOK - Life of Saint Gerard Majella - Vassall-Phillips

O. R. VASSALL-PHILLIPS

for none had been ordered! The Saint knew, doubtless, that Father
Margotta would be rejoiced to share his fast.
However, it was not always with Father Margotta that he had to
deal. A Lay-brother, Francis Tartaglione by name, was sent by his
Superiors to pay them a visit at Naples. The morning after his arrival,
he and Saint Gerard both went out. It was Gerard's duty to cater for
the midday meal. Before he had as yet bought anything, he came
upon a wretched huckster selling matches in the marketplace. Sad,
indeed, was the story of want and misery that he poured into the
sympathetic ears that were now open to his tale of woe. He was — so
he declared — absolutely dying of hunger. For Gerard to empty his
slender purse into the poor man's hands was the work of a moment.
He accepted some of his wares in exchange for the money, and then
bent his steps homewards in all peace of mind. Meanwhile, Brother
Francis had also returned to the house, and when Gerard appeared,
he asked him at once what he had got for dinner.
The Servant of God replied with a sly glance:
“God is all that we need: we want nothing more.”
“That is all very well,” retorted Brother Francis impatiently, “but
how about the dinner?”
Before him, on the table, lay the store of matches.
“What may those things be?” he continued in amazement. “My
dear Brother,” answered Gerard. “I am sure that we shall find them
very useful.”
He then told the story of his adventure in the market-place. Poor
Brother Francis' discomfiture was complete. He was entirely
disarmed, and had not a word to say. Charity, we all know, is the
Queen of Virtues; still, try as he might, he could not help feeling that
he needed his dinner badly enough.
Soon Father Margotta joined them. Saint Gerard told him at once
all that had occurred, saying simply that in the absence of his
Superior, he had assumed his permission to give the poor man an
alms.
“But,” said Father Margotta, noticing, with some amusement, the
disconsolate appearance of Brother Francis, “tell us, please, what we
are to have to eat today?”
“God will provide,” was the only reply that he received. A few
moments after there was heard a ring at the bell.
“Perhaps that is our dinner,” remarked Father Margotta with a

80