Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1890-09-04
CAN A MOTHER FORGET.

In one of the poorest and most over
HoWded parts Of poor and overcrOwded
london stands little whitewashed house
differing from the squalid places round it,
MY in its perfect cleanliness--for on en-
bering nothing but the pIainest and most
necessary furnishings are to be found.
One bitter night early in February there
aat. in the hardly-furnished sitting room,
young priest. He was evidently expect
ing some one, and some one he loved; for
from time to time, he stirred the fra and
booked with something like a sigh at the
aleager meal which was prepared on the
sable. Il must not put on GOALS, he
sand to himself; for if the fire is really
Bright when he comes in, he will grudge
himself the warmth | dare not make
ysa5y d comfortable meal for he will
grudge himself the food. 1t is only so for
be thinks that he alone can do without
resi-, warmth, and comfort; for oh! how
5ender and thoughtful he is about every
8Eae eise!''
AS he sat down again the door opened
30 admit a tall, powerful man, looking
weary beyond words, and wet to the skin
% nee ded not ais clerical dress to assure
any who saw him what his calling was;
sor interesting as his face must have been
snder any circumstances, it was rendered
beautiful by the beauty of holiness, and
bhe strength and sweetness mingled in it
made it like the face of an angel
Dear brother" he said, as he came in,
4 can go out no more this night, for my
Body is so weary and my heart so sore that
feel helpless and dispirited as | have
EAreEy felt before. The sin and the suffer
.yg, the wretchedness and poverty, and,
GsOve ALL the cry of the children are
breaking my heart. And if mine-O Thou
sying Shepherd! what mnst be the suffer-
izlg be to Thee, in Thy purity and
anequaled tenderness? How long, Q Lord,
bow long?'
He sank down and buried his face in
his hands for few moments, while the
younger priest looked at him sadly and
AnSiously 1t was so unusual for Father
Warren S face to be clouded and so rare
u his spirit to be respondent that he felt
iure. something was wrong, and that over
work and constant exposure were at last
eegining to tell even on his magnificent
oeaIth and fame Now dear father, he
saiGE besepchingIy, ''do put on dry clothes
Hnd rest this evening and take a long
quiet sleep, for if you persist in this con-
slant self-forgetfulness, You will have to
give up work altogether, and | think no
greater trouble could befaIl you and us
Man ti;,,l,."
well truly" replied Father Warren,
* am resolved to 90 out 30 more this
SIGHT, fer, though the spirit is willing
}he flesh is weak He had hardly finish
I'd speaking when a ring was heard at the
So0r. and the servant entering, said,
Father, a lady desires to see you, and
begs you will not refuse her"
Let me GO said the young priest.
jumping up. at is too hard, this PEI
0etu;ll importantly. | will speak to her,
xnd tell her how unfit you are to
ITO anything more or see any one this
evening.
DC so my son" said Father Warren,
but let Il be courteousIy and gently said,
rs belts those who speak in the name of
gentle and neverweary Master"
The young man crossed himself and left
The room; he returned, however, after
few minutes, with a disappointed and
s0u,. what mortified air.
She will have none of me, dear father,
int desires to see you and you, only; her
2sea ling is so touching and her longing so
anHh st that | have gone over to her side
''2gd can resist her wish no longer"
Father Warren rose Sriskly and said:
no not let her wait smother moment.
feel to blame that she has waited so long
Aready. Bring her in at once, | pray
sou and while the priest fastened to
obey he placed chair near the fire, and
aattered to himself, Neither turneth a
rteaf ear to any poor man, he put the tea
Qot ON the table and prepared ,to receive
eUF&i ally the unexpected visitor.
She door was gently 0pend by tall
h3Y dressed in black She was exceed
ingly fair to see, beautiful in feature and
carriage beyond most women: but there
SIS an inexpensive charm far beyond
sseu that-a dignity and perfection of
manner and appearance such as Father
Warren had never seen before.
Advancing toward him. she said in
Dw clear. and most melodious voice: For
give ne. dear father, for disturbing you so
kSle. dnd on such night; but no other
eouid fulfill % we'll the mission which ask
you 10 undertake. VIII you come with me
10 bring comfort and happiness toa depar
ing and erring sou? and will you bring
she Holy Sacrament with you, that, having
confessed and been absolved, he may go
hence in peace?"
Dear lady" answered Father Warren,
II have not eaten since the morning. My
Clothes ave wet through, and | am very
weary Another priest of God more worthy
Ehan shall go with you.
Nay" she said, looking wistfully at
aim, Il pray you, go with me yourself, for
so you was sent, and the time is very
short. / beseech you to come with me and
make no delay By the love of the Blessed
Mother for her Son, by the love of that Son
for all his erring children, ! implore you
some with me and come quickly"
She pleaded so earnestly and tenderly,
md vet with something of authority in
Yer tone, that the father yielded; and for
getting all about her anxity and that some
9ne had need of him, he hastily put on a
cloak and left the house with her.
A strong biting wind and sharp sleety
yain made walking difficult and converse
hon almost impossible, so he followed the
h3y silently as they sped quickly along
$he narrow streets Father Warren could
got but marvel exceedingly that the lady
aid not seem TO be aware of wind or rain
NOT anything round her, but with firm
read and head erect she walked calmly and
quietly though very rapidly on.
She moved as one with a set purpose,
while a smile of hope frightened her grave
saee.
At last, after walking thus for con,
siderable distance, they came to one Of
those old-fashioned squares, once the
chosen residence of the wealthiest Lon
aoners, but now deserted fer phase;
farther from the crowded centre Of the
huge city.
She stopped at one of the houses; and
knocking firmly and decidedly at the door