Butte record., 1856-05-17

er, here and there-it won't be long We
shall be wandering, wife. But there,
one sorrow SO deep down in our hearts
that all other griefs grow light beside
of it. Itwas Just this night ten year:
ago. low sob burst from the wo-
mans lips,as she threw her apron over
her face and leaned on his shoulder.
Yes, wife, let us weep our last here
where they all saw the light-wher(
all except the frst-born died'-contin-
ued Halleran, dashing his hand ovel
his eyes-'This Easter Eve ten years
ago, he went away. He thought be-
cause | was sorrowful and silent, thai
| was stern and harsh, and when some
times out in the open fields | rebuked
him for such boyish folly, he thought
because spoke of my poverty and
struggles, that he was burthen to me
| did not know it then, although | saw
him grow restless and moody, but
know it now. That is why he went
away, but he little knew that the grieI
for the living is far bitterer than griei
for the dead
But, John, dear,' said the Mother,
uncovering her wet face, and speaking
softly-'It's not so bitter, when we
come to think there was not quieter
boy in the parish, and Father Dever-
euX says, none came to the confessional
oftener. IF he had done some evil
thng>or some shameful thing to leave
with US, when he went away, it would
a brought me down to the grave many
a day ago. But | have been living in
hope. God of Glory! give him Eter-
nal Rest, if he is dead, an if he is
still living, may the Blessed Virgin
guide the wanderer. Yes! it is Jest
ten years agone, this Easter-Eve since
Laurence went away. Oh, but the
thraw is in my heart, to feel his head
on my bosom once more! But the adj
orable will of God be done now and
forevern said Katie Halleran.
There was rap on the door, and
she arose to open it. A stranger stood
on the threshold, wrapped in a large
cloak, while his face was almost CON
cealed by the long dark beard which
half covered it.
Welcome, sirp she said, dropping
a courtesy.
is this John Halleran's housc?' he
asked in a quick rough way.
1T acas John Halleran's house yes
terday,' said Halleran approaching
Tomorrow will find US ike the birds
of the air, homeless ard wanderers.
But walk in, and warm yourself, sir.
A shelter, and a warm place on the
hearth is all that | can offer. Such as
it is you are welcome
Thank you. lam weary and cold,'
replied the stranger as he entered and
took the chair they offered him near
the fire. Halleran trimmed the fire,
while his wife lit fresh rush, then
both sat down in their old places, and
turned a glance of inquiry towards
their guest, who sat with his head bow
ed on his breast gazing into the glow
ing CRATE. They could only see that
his forehead was broad-his eyes large
and dark, and his cheeks swarthy.
Have you travelled far to-day, sirE
asked Halleran.
From Thurles,' he replied.
Sir, it's a new sorrow I've Just
found among the dregs of Life's cup;
not to have wherewithal to offer hospi-
tality to the stranger beneath our roof;
but poverty is better nor meanness,
and | won't be ashamed of it, said
Halleran looking down while his proud
lips quiyered.
My good friend.' said the stranger,
looking up, and there was bright
glance in his eyes-"Do not be troub-
led; | should not eat tonight if you
had royal fare to offer me. Easter
Eve is a solemn vigil with me-a vigil
OF fasting and prayer he continued IN
a lower voice.
And so it should be with u.s. mur-
INJURED Katie Halleran, while her eyes
rested with new interest on their guest,
for there was that inexpressible ca
dence in his voice which assured her
woman's heart, that he had suffered, at
some time or in some way.
1 am a stranger to ye, and it may
seem too free for me to intrude on your
griefs, but ye have taken me in and
shared with me of all ye had, and my
heart is moved to say few words Of
comfort-and yet | don't know how
said their guest looking kindly towards
them; then fixing his eyes again on the
fire; i have often thought in my lonely
vigil, of the anguish of that little band
who, after seeing the Lord crucifed
and buried, awaited the fulfllment Of
His promise, that on the third day He
would rise againfrom the dead. They
had seen Him trembling and wounded,