Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1881-06-04


cepting the grand gilt cross on the roof
of the chapel nothing revealed exter-
nally the devotional purpose to which
the Roman Catholic priesthood had
dedicated the building
But the convert privileged to pass the
gates left Protestant England outside,
and found himself, as it were, in new
country. Inside the Retreat the pater-
nal care of the church took possession
of him; surrounded him with monastic
simplicity in his neat little bedroom,
and dazzled him with devotional splen.
dor when his religious duties called him
into the chapel. The perfect taste-so
seldom found in the modern arrange
ment and decoration of converts and
churches in southern countries showed
itself here, pressed into the service of
religion in every part of the house. The
severest discipline had no sordid and
hideous side to it in the Retreat. The
inmates tasted on spotless table-cloths,
and handled knives and forks (the hum
bic servants of half-filled stomachs) with
out speck on their decent brightness.
Penitents who kissed the steps of the
altar Ito use the expressive Oriental
phrase), "eat no dirt" Friends, liberal
friends, permitted to visit the inmates
on stated days, saw copies of famous
Holy Families in the reception-room
which were really works of art, and trod
carpet of studiously modest preten.
tions, exhibiting pious emblems beyond
reproach in color and design. The Re-
treat had its own artesian we'll not
person in the house drank impurity in
his water. A faint perfume of incense
was perceptible in the corridors. The
soothing ard mysterious silence of the
place was intensified rather than dis
turbed by soft footsteps, and gentle
opening and closing of doors. Animal
life was not even represented by a cat
in the kitchen. And yet, pervaded by
some inscrutable influence, the house
was not dull.
On the morning when Mrs. Eyrecourt
and her daughter held their memorable
interview by the fireside at Ten Acres,
Father Benwell entered one of the pri-
vate rooms at the Retreat devoted to
the use of the priesthood. The demure
attendant, waiting humbly for instruc
tions, was sent to request the presence
of one of the inmates of the house
named Mortleman.
Father Benwells customary serenity
was little ruflled on this occasion by
an appearance of anxiety. More than
once he looked impatiently toward the
door; and he never even noticed the
last new devotional publications laid
invitingly on the table.
DIR. Mortleman made his appearance
IA young man and promising convert.
"Be seated, my son." Father Benwell
said. Mr.. Mortleman looked as if he
would have preferred going down on
his knees, but he yielded and took
chair.
81 think you have been Mr.. Ro-
mayne's companion for few days, in
the hours of recreation?' the priest be.
gan.
"Yes, Father"
"Does he appear to be at all weary
of his residence in this house ?"
"Oh, far from it'll He feels the be-
nign influence of the Retreat; we have
had some delightful hours together"
Have you anything to report?"
Mr.. Mortleman crossed his hands on
his breast and bowed profoundly.
81 have to report of myself, Father,
that 1 have committed the sin of pre-
sumption. I presumed that Mr.. Ro-
mayne was, like myself, not married"
"Did tell you that he was not mar
ried?"
"No, Father"
"Then you have committed no sin.
You have only made an excusable mis-
take. How were you led into error?"
"In this way, Father. Mr.. Romayne
had been speaking to me of book
which you had been SO good as to send
him. He had been especially interested
by the memoir therein contained of the
illustrious Englishman, Cardinal Acton.
The degrees by which his eminence
rose to the ranks of q prince of the
church seemed, as [ thought, to have
aroused in my friend new sense of vo-
cation. He asked me if | myself aspired
to belong to the holy priesthood. l
answered that this was indeed my aspir-
alton, if I might hope to be found wor-
thy. He appeared to be deeply affected.
| vent1red to ask if he, too, had the
same prospect before him. He grieved
me indescribably. He sighed and said:
"I have no such hope; am married.
Tell me, Father, I entreat you, have I
done wrong%
Father Benwell considered for mo-
ment.
"Did Mr.. Romayne say anything
more !" he asked.
"No, father"