The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1879-02-11

OuU us usual 10 the cnuIcll, anu Wditeu
impatiently for her to come in. But
hours passed, and there was no sign of
her. They began to grow uneasy, and
at length Clarence went to the church
in search of her.
The door stood open, but there was
no sign of the girl within. He went to
the sacristies, to the chapels, and exam
ined the confessionas Rose was no.
where to be seen.
He hurried home to his mother.
What was to be done? They were
in terror. That Rose should go to any
one for advice, or repeat to one the tale
which they had imposed on her, had
not entered their minds. They had
thought that grief and shame would
keep her silent, and that fear would in
duce her to put herself into their hands.
While they hesitated which way to
go, a servant handed them note which
had just been sent.
Mrs. Burkhardt tore it open eagerly
1t was from Rose, and read thus:
81 cannot stay in the world of which l
know SO little, and which Furnishes my
ignorance with such cruel severity. Do
not be anxious about me; am safe.-
And do not seek me for l shall not re-
turn. thank you and Clarence for
any good you may have intended me,
and forgive you for any harm you may
have done. Do not write to any one
about me. shall myself write to my
guardian and Mrs. Coolidge"
"Who would have thought there was
such spirit in the girl 2" exclaimed
Mrs. Burkhardt, crushing the note in
her hand.
1t was Thursday of Holy Week, and
the nuns of the convent of Notre Dame
in Saxon were in their chapel, all kneel-
ing motionless, like so many images
carved out of ebony, every face, pale
and wasted by the fast of Lent, turned
toward the Repository, which shone
with flowers and candles. All the rest
of the chapel was dim, the pictures and
crucifixes veiled, the altar deserted
Every one of the nuns was in the chap
ell: and, when the hall door-bell rang, the
FORTRESS had to rise and go out to answer
the summons. After while she return
ed to her place again. Just behind ner
came another figure,-a lady dressed all
in black, with veil over her face
Gliding silently into the chapel, she
knelt near the door, and, bowling for
ward, hid her face in her hands. Her
whole form trembled, and she seemed to
be praying and weeping at once. For
nearly half an hour there was silence.
Then one of the nuns went out. AS she
passed by, the stranger glanced up
through her veil. and, seeing who she
was, rose and followed her.
The superior had not noticed the new
conner, and supposed that the step be-
hind her was that of one of the sisters.
But, as she reached the door of the as
sembly- y-room, she heard soft and trem-
ulous voice.
'Mother ~
At that sound, she turned. But one
in the world called her mother, and that
one had been permitted to give the
title partly through fondness, partly be-
cause she was an orphan. A slight
hand put back the thick black veil, and
Rose Blanch Stanley's pale and tear-wet
face was before her, and in another mo-
ment she was hidden in her bosom.
"My dear child where have you come
from ~ was all that the superior could
say.
II have come to you from wicked
world, mother,' - sobbed the girl. "Keep
me here. There seems to be no help or
safety anywhere else."
"Come to my room," the nun said,
drawing her gently away. "There we
shall be undisturbed, and you can tell
me all your story"
She led thegirl to the little room which
was her own, as superior, and there
gently removed her bonnet and shawl.
The fair face had lost its smooth curves,
and was white and thin. Blue shadows
lay under the eyes, and the eyes them
selves were heavy with weeping.
"Has Mrs. Burkhardt returned so
soon S'' the superior asked, after having
placed Rose on narrow pallet, and
piled pillows under head. For the girl
seemed unable to sit up.
No, mother" Rose answered 81
came without her. Come close, and
let me hold your hand while / tell. 1