The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1893-07-08


sFor the poor," said Mr.. Blencowe, who,
with his fellow collector, Mr.. VickeIs, had
lust come from emptying the aims boxes,
zone pound seventeen shillings, two pence,
and he laid down the money in little heap
on the sacristy table.
Thank you" said Father Urquhart, as
he entered in his book, "One pound, seven
teen shillings, two pence.
"Altar and candle offerings, nine shill-
ings
"Nine shillings," repeated the priest
glOOmily.
Then came "Masses for the Departed,
"Peters Pence" etc., each with mere tale
of shillings, and then Father Urquhart
closed the book, and said in tone of quiet
despair, Thank you. gentlemen, and the
two gentlemen who acted as collectors,
having rendered up the money, left the
sacristy wondering, as for some time they
had wondered, at the marked falling off in
the offcratory Once week they emptied
the various compartments Of the alms-box
and carried the offerings Of the congrega-
tion to the priest, but now there were only
shilings to carry, where once there had
been pounds.
"What can have made such differ
ence ?" exclaimed Mr.. Vickers. Il can
see that Father Urquhart is as much sur
prised as we are, only he blames himself
for it: and is unhappy"
II know-I know" said Mr.. Blencowe.
Ills face makes me miserable. cant
for the life of me understand what can
have made everyone turn so niggardiy. 1T
seems to me that here in Slagborough the
very source of benevolence is dried up"
ayes, and things seem to be going from
bad to worse.
"They are worse even this week than
1Vu diS dNdIt VI, lCheAS. me-lh tiSiS
was one sovereign today in the poor-box,
though there was no gold anywhere else;
but | am afraid that myself only put that
sovereign in because Father Urquhart looks
so wretehed when, week after week, we
appear with no money to speak oi,
Mr.. Vickers could scarcely conceal his
amazement "You put it IMP" he ex-
claimed.
'Yes, on Sunday. was only going to
give five shillings, as usual, but l Thought
would make it pound to help to cheer
him.
But, my dear Bleneowe, had exactly
the same Thought, aud put that sovereign
into the box myself this afternoon when
we came into the church y
"My dear fellow, / assure you l put it
in on Sunday"
Il assure you put it in this afternoon!'
"lou thought you did; but you got hold
oi a shilling by mistake
"Or you did ?"
Impossible Mine was given in broad
daylight"
Each was convinced that he had made
no mistake, but recognized that he had no
means of proving it; nor did either partic-
ularly care to prove it, each seeing that his
intention had in any ease been fulfilled.
SWELL" observed Mr.. Blencowe with a
smile, zone of us must have made mis-
take, so we had better both give double
next time to make the balance true"
"But you forget that next tine we shall
have TO give four or FIVE times as much.
Every one will give handsomely after the
Candlemas sermon-even if they do not
want to do it, the Bishops eloquence will
make them. Good evening, Blencowe,
and 50 saying, Mr.. Viekers darted up the
steps to his own door.
81 am afraid the Bishop will not set
poor Father Urquharts mind at rest,
thought Mr.. Blencowe sadly. for he ten
derly loved the man. Three years ago he
had come TO SLgborough as the successor
Of dear friend of the Blercowes. For
months they had assured themselves that
no one could ever replace the priest whom
they had lost, and then they had discovered
that Father Urquhart had more than done
so. Slagborough was rough and not
particularly prosperous North-couutry town
and his flock was principally composed OF
poor Irish people with quick tempers and
quicker methods of showing them. lie
had, Of courieg not been able to prevent
the poker playing, an important part IN the
family councils Of some of these his parish
toner's, but he had done much towards
keeping it in its proper place; and by his
uniailing kindness and sympathy, and
many acts of generous devotion. he had
won much love-
And yet there was something that the
Slsgborough people did not at all like aboni