The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-05-28
his F'ir8f P8nit8nt,
BY KATHLEEN MATHEW.
Copyright, 1899 by Kathleen Mathew

nome cndfaCIef, anu coOi, righteous
! judgment? Why not ask him to olsen
| tangle this mysterious wool of duty and
| Justice and abide by his decision?
No sooner had this idea presented it
self to E'r darcy then he resolved to
act on it, For the first time in many
weeks he seemed to have grasped "a
| something he could lean ON. He Won
| dered that he had not thought of going
to the archbishop before.
Oh the relief of reaching Il decision
after such Il long, miserable period of
mental unrest and uncertainty; the
comfort of sharing the burdening re-
sponsibility with other strong shoulders.
Already he felt better. He addressed
and went to bed and was soon sound
asleep. When he awoke it was s O'Clock.
lie felt refreshed and courageous, and
much more like himself than he had
done for long time. -Four hours sleep
had done him good.
He Immediately remembered his re-
solve of the previous night, and he de-
termined to act on 1t at once, for he
feared some impulse might make him
change his intention and pursue. in
stead, on his own responsibility. one or
other Of the courses he had so often
almost decided on during the mental
torture of the last two weeks.
Twenty years ago, the Catholic arch
bishop of New York did not occupy the
handsome white stone residence on Mad
.ison avenue and 50th street, where that
dignitary now resides to the rear of st.
( Patrick's cathedral.
He lived further donw in less i'm
posing, but comfortable and commodi-
Gus bishopric.
The archbishop was tall, dignified,
but benevolent looking man, with mass
es of snow-white hair. and very pene-
trating dark eyes that invariably gave
one the impression of reading him
through and through
People rarely lied to his grace, owing
to the tradition that it was useless to do
of the well.
He was a profound scholar. knew all
the languages, living and dead. and
moreover had the reputation of being
more liberal in matters pertaining to
church and state than most of his
brethren.
When FIR darcy was announced he
had just finished breakfast, and was
scanning the morning papers
He was rather surprised at this ma
tutinal visit from the young priest bat
his ready penetrative powers, sharpened
by long and constant practice, at once
told him that the business which had
brought him there was Of more than or
binary Importance.
FIR darcy advanced and dropped on
one knee before his superior and re-
spectfully kissed the episcopal ring, a
large and magnificent ruby, the gift of
his holiness, the pope, which the bishop
always wore on the third finger of his
left hand, at the same time asking a
blessing and the privilege of a private
interview.
.'My son, both are readily accorded"
said his grace, and rising slowly, he led
the way into his private sanctum.
After they had been closeted together
about ten minutes, the archbishop
touched the bell beside his chair. 1t
was Immediately answered by his private
secretary the only member of the house
hold who had the privilege of approach
ing his grace in his private quarters.
George" said the bishop, 1T is now
8 o'clock. For the next two hours | de-
sire to be entirely undisturbed. Say to
all inquiries that | am engaged on inn
portant matters and must not be inter
rupted.
George bowed respectfully and left the
room, carefully closing the door after
him.
Now, my son, continue your story,
said the bishop, fixing his penetrating
eyes on the pale, agitated face of the
priest. Conceal nothing of the mental
struggle through which it has been his
will that you should pass. Then, in the
capacity of your unworthy superior, |