The herald., 1896-03-08

and wisdom of a non.worldly charac-
ter, and gives these society butterflies
q glimpse Of life entirely different
from their own, where show, pomp, dis
play, and sincerity are the ruling fac
tors. Perhaps it is the novelty which
attracts them, but those who know best
say that it is something more enduring
than that.
On the high hills of the upper west
side of the city, not far from the site
of the old home of Alexander Hamil-
ton, and in district made historical
by the presence of Washington in rev.
olutionary days, is big, homelike
frame house, with wide verandas, many
windows and numerous gables and
points. Balconies stand out in many
places. The house is painted light
brown and even in wintertime has
look of comfort about it that attracts
the eye.
If One Hundred and Fortieth street
were cut straight through to the Hud-
son river it would demolish this house.
Some day pitiless commerce will ac-
complish that calamity, for the officials
in New York who map out streets are
not hampered by sentiment. But now
West One Hundred and Fortieth street
ends at the front gate OF the house. A
wide drive makes pretty half circle
from there to the steps leading to the
wide versnda.
This is the house in which many of
the society women will seek shelter
during Lent. Some will stop few
days, others will stop week, and more
will remain longer. In fashionable
parlance it is called The Retreat. 1t is
managed by nuns of the Roman Gath
olic church, but its guests include
Methodists, Baptiss, Presbyterians,
Congregationalists, Episcopslians, as
we'll as Romanists. All denominations
and creeds are welcome, and there are
more Episcopalians who take advan-
tage of it than Roman Catholics.
st. Regis house was established for
the very purpose of receiving women
in a non-sectarisn way and giving
them general religious instruction and
bringing them under religious influ-
ence. The Sisters of Our Lady of the
Cenacle established The Retreat three
years ago, and much of its success is
due to the Reverend Mother Grimaldi,
who controls its affairs.
This mother superior is remarkable
woman. She is little past middle
age, rather short and somewhat portly,
with the kindest face in the world and
blue-gray eyes that inspire confidence
and trust. Her manners are charming,
and her voice is sweet. She speaks
softly and earnestly, and her words
are always beautifully chosen. French
is her native language, but she speaks
English fuently, with just trace of
an accent that only adds to the charm
of her speech. OF high birth, as are
all her sisters of the institute, the
mother superior at once appears the
gentlewoman.
She freely outlined the purposes of
the retreat when asked about them.
saying: 1.-THE sisters of the Iustitute
of Our Lady of the Cenacle. or the La
dies Of the Retreat, aspire to follow the
example of our Blessed Lady. the
Queen of Apostles, and of the hoIv
women who gathered around her. and
to employ themselves in the extension
Of the kingdom of Christ as far as lies
within their power.
"This aim they seek to accomplish
first by attending to the salvation and
perfection of our own souls, and next
by procuring the salvation and perfec-
tion of their neighbors by spiritual re-
treats, by teaching cstechism or by any
other means which Divine Providence
may place at their command.
prayer being most effica cious
means, it is customary in the houses
OF these sisters to have perpetual adora-
tion Of the Blessed Sacrament, whether
exposed on the altar or inclosed in the
tabernacle.
"Pious souls are invited to join in
this alteration, each taking an hour or
9 half hours alteration once or twice q
week and praying in special manner
Tor the holy father, for the bishop and
ale clergy Of the diocese.
"Then The Retreat offers other