The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1889-03-23

1t seems but dream-the '1ona
long ago." but the memory OF som
low, sweet song. with its minor ca
dences; but the transient flush of al
autumn sunset, when the crimson
glories OF the hour melt away befor,
the sombre shadows OF night. And
yet, how wildly does each scene rist
before me on this chill winters even
ing, as sit alone by my Preside, wait
ing hoping, praying. for call to tn,
"Home" where my loved ones are.
A stately, red brick building looms
up before me, with its well-trimmed
grass plats, each side the paved walk
that leads to the imposing portico
shading the main entrance. Here,
massive doors, like those OF some feu-
dial castle OF olden times, swing upon
their hinges at the resonant call oil
the solemn gong which sends it's dis
NAL echoes through the long corridors,
like the groan of some giant monster
in the death throes.
A stiffness of death reigns in the
large, square drawing rooms, with
their ingram carpetings and stiff horse
hair furniture. On each Of the white
walls, religious engravings, in narrow
walnut frames, look down coldly up.
on each unbidden guest that ventures
within these hallowed precincts, sa-
cred to the reception OF "His Grace"
and his tonsured aids; to the month
ly meeting o. the board of trustees"
to the bejeweled danes whom spas
modic philanthropy induces, from
time to time, to visit the good
sisters, and to the rant OF charity.
One flight further up I see hundreds
OF orphans bending over their tasks
in patient resignation to the DEGREES
OF fate that exacts from them labor
proportionate to their years. Poor
little waifs From babyhood theirs
is life OF nnquestioning obedience to
the black-robed nuns whose mission
1T is to inculcate Lessons of virtue,
that the fruit from sin blighted boughs
may ripen in eternal life. They are
taught, too, to be grateful to the pub
lie who sheltered, fed and clothed
them, when their own parents had
turned them adrifT, potherless, ia
therless, aye, often Iiameless, upon
the charity of the world.
How well ! remember wondering, in
my childlike way, if ever l should
meet this generous public and be able
to thank her for my pretty cotton
frocks and heavy shoes that were my
pride as j toddled. along with the
smaller members OF the asylum, each
Sunday, to the big church where the
organ pealed forth its glorious tones.
and the marble affairs blazed with
lights that made my little eyes blink.
The priests in their golden vestments.
the long, double row of altar boys in
their crimson cassocks and linen sur
plices, seeming people from another
and q happier world Of which we poor
orp lanG formed no part. Then there
was the sermon, when some one of
the holy fathers assembled the pulpit |
and discoursed learnedly about sal.
walton and eternal bliss, two words !
which so impressed themselves upon |
my mind that | determined to get |
them the very moment | was big, |
since they were OF so much impor-
tance that the priests, and the nuns,
too, were always talking about them.
But all the fear that possessed me
when there thundered forth denunc-
atoms against wicked sinners, and
the priestly eye seemed riveted on me,
es if / Were specially marked for rep
trembled lest he knew
how tired / was; how stiff and sore
from WEAKNESS, and how this, togeth.
er with the fumes of the incense-laden |
air, had made me dr0wsy. Blessed
relief when those stern eyes wandered
elsewhere, and could hear his voice
growing less and less distinct, until at
ength it ceased; a delicious calm
stole over me-and / slept, my cheek
resting against the hard back of the
pew. But all the punishment upon
my return from massl The prophe-
,ies predicted for my terrible impiety!
How sadly did creep away to my
bed at night and wonder il really the
rood God would wreak such vengeance
ipon tiny girl like me. And yet
zach Sabbath it was the same offense,
he same reprimand, followed by
;een, but transient. remorse OF con.
science.
One OF such days stands out in bold
'elief before me. We had returned
rom vespers, and were assembled in
he school room. ], with the guilt OF
mpious somnolence upon my youth
ull soul, waited, like trembling cul-
,rit, the sentence that would consign
ne to solitary confinement for the
est of the evening. Visitors came
round on tour OF inspection. We'll
ONE respite! A lady and gentleman
TODD in the doorway; the former re-
plendent in robe of silken sheen,
With sparkling jewels flashing from her
airs and breast, as if some tiny stars
lad dropped from the sky above and
estled there. Her companion, dis !
ingue.looklng man, stroked his i'm
erial llstlessly while the lady EVIL
emily his wife) conversed in low tones {
nth Sister Ligouri. His restless,
oal black eye, in it's wanderlngs
round the room, rested at length on !
le. Perhaps the steadlness OF my
axe caused this, for felt fascinated !
y that handsome man. His whole
ace lit up with an expression the like
{ which had never seen beam on me !
efore. He touched the lady's arm
Chilly, and whispered few words.
"Where?"
"To my left" And he motioned, | :
bought, towards me.
''How lovely How perfectly love. :
u" was the answer in bated breath. y
My heart sank then. for / knew it
ould not be of me they spoke. No !
ne had ever called me anything but e
Edna st. Clair"
"Come here child" said the lady,
fter conversing eagerly with her hus- =
and, in hurried tones. thought she !.
poke to me, and yet / doubted the |!
lct OF my being singled out from the Il
there. Not until Sister Lii
,uri had echoed the words and
I'LL !