Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1888-05-25
AFTER Darkness Comsth Day. !"
BY X. X. GRANT.

Ii seems but dream-the ''long,
long ago." but the memory of some
low. sweet song. with its minor caden-
ces; but the transient flush of an au-
tumn sunset when the crimso glories
OF the hour melt away before she SOM
bre shadows OF night. And yet. and
how viv dly does each scene rise before
me on this chill winters evening, as l
sit alone by my fireside. waiting. hop
ing, praying. for call to the Home"
where my loved ones are.
A stately, red brick bu ldng looms
up before me. with its well-trimmed
grass plats. each side the paved walk
that leads TO the imposing portico shad-
ing the main entrance. Here, massive
doors. like those of some feudal castle
OF olden times. swing upon their
hinges at the resonant cah of the SOL
emn gong which sends its dismal ech-
oes through the long corridors. Ike the
groan of some giant monster in the
death throes.
A stiffness as of death reigns in the
large, square drawing rooms. with
their ingram carpeting and stiff horse
hair furniture On each of the white
walls. religious engravings. in narrow
walnut frames, look down coldly upon
each unbidden guest that ventures
within these hallowed precincts. sacred
TO the reception of His Grace" and
his tonsured aids; to the monthly meet
ing Of the board of trustees to the
bejeweled DANES whom spasmodic phi
lanthropy induces. from time to time,
10 visit the good sisters and TO the rant
of charity.
One flight further up | see hundreds
of orphans bending over their tasks in
patient resignation to the DEGREES of
fate that cXacts from their labor pro-
pOrtionately To their years. Poor little
waits, From babyhood theirs is a life
of unquestioning obedience to the black
robed nuns whose miss on it is TO incul-
cate lessons of virtue, that the fruit
from sin blighted boughs may ripen in
eternal life. They are taught. too. to
be grateful to the public who sheltered.
fed and clothed them. when their own
parents had turned them adrift. mother
less. fatherless, ave. often nameless.
upon the charity of the world.
well | remember wondering. in
~ uldlike way. if ever should meet
this generous public and be able to
thank her for my pretty cotton frocks
and heavy shoes that was my pride as
toddled along with the smaller mem
bers of the sylum, each SUNDAY, to the
big church where the organ pealed
forth its glorious tones. and the marble
affairs blazed with lights that made my
eyes blink. The priests in their golden
vestments, the long double row of altar
boys in their crimson cassocks and
linen SUPPLIES, seeming people from
another aud II happier world of which
we poor orphans formed no part. Then
there was The sermon. when some one
Of the holy fathers assembled the pulpit
and discoursed learnedly about saliva
ton and eternal bliss. two words which
SO impressed themselves upon my mind
that / determined 10 get them the very
moment ] was big. since they were of
so much Importance that the priests.
and the nuns, too. Were always talk ing
about them. But ah, the fear that
possessed me when there Numbered
forth denuncations aga nst wicked
sinners, and the priestly eye seemed
riveted on me. as if | were specially
marked for Reproduction, | trembled
lest he knew how tired | was; how
stiff and sore from WEAKNESS, and
how this, together with the fumes of
the incense-laden air. had made me
drowsy. Blessed relief! when those
stern eyes wandered elsewhere. and l
could hear his voice growing less and
less distinct, until at length it ceased;
a delicious calm stole over me-and |
slept my cheek resting against the
hard back of the pew. But ahl the
punishment upon my return from
mass! The prophecies predicted for
my terrible impietyl How sadly did |
creep away to NV bed at night and
wonder if really the good God would
wreak such vengeance upon tiny
girl like me. And yet each Sabbath
il was the same oflense. the same re-
primand. followed by keen, but
transient, remorse of conscience.
One of such DAYS stands out in bold
relief before me. We had returned
from vespers. and were assembled in
the school room. 1. with the guilt Of
impious somonlence upon my youthful
soul. waited. like trembling culprit.
the sentence that would consign me to
solitary confinement for the rest OF the
evening. Visitors came around on
tour of inspection. Welcome respite!
A lady and gentleman stood in the door
wav; the former resplendent in robe of
silken sheen, with sparkling jewels
flashing from her ears and breast, as IL
some tiny stars had dropped from the
sky above and nestled there. Her
companion, a distingue-looking man.
stroked his imperial lstlcssly while the
lady evidently his wife) conversed in
low tones with Sister Ligouri. His
restless, coal black eye. in its wander
ings around the room. rested at length
on me. Perhaps the steadiness of my
gaze caused this, for l felt Ease mated
l.. tl,at tapIxnxna man He uha1,