Smog check failed by MIL/function failure
 

Hi,
I have '98 Honda Accord (4 cyl) with 100000mil. Smog check failed as
MIL was on and indicating Functional Failure/Fail code: Catalytic
converter failure. The mechanic told me that I have to replace
catalytic converter. I knew MIL was on awhile but Honda service person
told me before that they just forgot to reset, mistaking it with
maitenance lamp.

I was ready to go to the mechanic to have it fixed but yestarday MIL
lamp magically turned off by itself after it was on nearly a year. It
was on for long time since I didn't know that it was something I needed
to have it checked. I tried turned off/on engine, and I see it blink
for a second when the enginer is turned on. But it goes off after that.
Is this something I can assume the car is ok now? Please let me know
if anyone has experience like this.

Thanks
-d