Leo Dupont had a very tender devotion to the Holy Angels, and especially to his own Guardian Angel. He looked to his dear Guardian Angel not only for protection, but also for guidance. One incident in particular made a strong impression on Leo, and it gave him great confidence in his Angel.

One day, he related this incident to a friend of his as they were out walking. The friend had noticed that when they reached a particular spot facing a little street, Leo raised his hat respectfully, as if acknowledging someone. But there was no one in sight. So the friend asked Leo about this strange greeting.

Leo replied that it was for his Guardian Angel. Quite curious, the friend pressed for a further explanation. That is when Leo told him what had happened:

One day, Leo had been walking by that spot, reading a little book on devotion to our Guardian Angels, which had just been given him. He had just come to a part that read: "Whenever we are inspired with a good thought, we must take care not to neglect it, for to do so is an offense to our good angel."

No sooner had he read those words than he happened to glance up and noticed a countryman coming down the little street. Leo was immediately struck with the idea of giving him an alms. But as Leo looked at this gentleman, there was nothing he could see to suggest that the fellow was in need of anything. The man was simply dressed like a farmer in his Sunday's best, and it would be positively insulting to offer money to a person who seemed so well-off.

So Leo put the thought aside. Nevertheless the urge to give the man something only grew stronger. Then Leo remembered the words he had just read. If he neglected this inspiration, however strange it seemed, he would be acting against the good advice of his Guardian Angel.

His poor mind was at last made up. With some reluctance, Leo took out a small piece of money and walked towards the stranger. Having noticed that this fellow was carrying a stick, Leo half-expected the man to get so insulted at the alms, that he would try to hit Leo with it. So, while still approaching the man, Leo was ready to quickly slip away.

Yet, when he offered the alms, Leo was surprised to find the stranger was not only very grateful - but awestruck at Leo’s generosity. The countryman went on to explain how he had just lost his wallet. He knew nobody in the area, and had been anxiously wondering how he would get a meal before getting back to his home, which was quite a distance away.

Then, the thankful and puzzled gentleman asked: "But how could you possibly know of my problem?" In reply, Leo simply pointed to the passage in the book he had been reading on the Guardian Angels.

Then Leo put back the small coin he had offered, and instead gave the man a coin of higher value, to satisfy his need.

The good man, however, declared he would only accept it as a loan. Later on, he would pay back the money Leo had given him. But Leo told the man to pay off this debt by giving that money to the poor instead. Thus, both were satisfied, and the act of charity would continue to be passed on.

In conclusion of this story, Leo told his friend: "Ever since that day, I never fail to remember and thank my good angel when I pass this way."