Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1900-03-06
HOW ONE WOMAN KEEPS LENT.

JOurnsD.
We were chatting over the tescups
late one afternoon, my friend and 1. A
wood fire crackle on the hearth, and
q low, round table, with dainty ap-
poiotmsnts, vas drawn up within the
radius OF its CHEEKY blaze. Such an at
mosphere was favorable to condolences,
and fell naturally to talking of what
was upoermost in my mind just then.
II should like TO ask you what you
think about Lent" / exclaimed, settl-
log myself comfortably among the many
hued cushions of q capacious armchair.
My hostess replied, with an amused
smile OF my question: "Curiously
enough, have but lately had discus
sion on this same subject with liberal
minded Catholic priest"
"Of course, your friend, the priests
defends the strictest observance Of
Lent aside from it's exaggerations," 1
replied.
"Ohl yes" nay friend replied, "but it
is always a lesson in tolerance and
Christian charity to fad that one
good and true can hold views that
differ from ones own. / myself
think it is a farce to pretend
to fast, when, avoiding meats,
one feasts upon the rarest and most del
icate dishes, composed OF fish of ell
kinds, eggs with dainty GAUGES, vege-
tables and sweets; but as q sanitary
measure have no doubt that it is Of
benefit to eat less and lighter food as
the warm weather approaches"
WELL" explained, impstiently, II
never could regulate my feeliogs by the
calendar. l am not at all 10 sympathy
with sermons and self-denial, and do
not covet the society of my sins as seen
through the eyes of my COINCIDENCE !"
My friend smiled indulgently as she
answered
"But do not at ell agree with your
idea of Lenten requirements"
probably looked the surprise that l
fAlr, and then asked, with real interest:
Would you mind telling me how you
spend Lent ?"
Her face frightened as though at
some pleasing thought, but she answer
ed: II can tell you nothing new nor
Strange by way of suggestion from my
experience. merely try little more
resolutely to live as I think l ought to
live. 1t is long step toward happi'
ness, il not holiness, to get things into
their right relations. Even sermons
and self-deniaP have lheir attractions,
if in the sermon one honestly try to
fnd help, and see others enjoy tho
fruits of ones self-denial."
"Geueralities do not satisfy me-" /
exclaimed saucily.
"Weil," she continued, after Q pause,
81 have found real pleasure during
Lent 10 reducing the biIls of butcher,
baker and candle-stick maker to their
lowest terms consistent With the CON-
fort OF my household, and giving what
is saved thereby to some deserving
poor. I take my servants into my
confidence, and 10 q manner calculated
to suggest something pleasant, unfold
NV scheme aud ask their cooperation.
TIE Door are good to tho poor, and l
find my servants very responsive to my
suggestion. Seli-denisl for tho sake OF
denying self does not appeal to one, l
grant you, but when its results may
be given, in the shape OF groceries and
other comforts, to needy persons who
have enlisted our sympathy, one is be-
yond measure rewarded for the trifing
effort. 1t is good practice, in discov-
ering household leaks, to enlist ones
servants 10 a system of watchfu!ness
for 40 days, 30 / show mine oil the
things the purchase of which their
carefulness has made possible, and l
often let them be tne messenger them
selves and carry to some needy family
a good dinner to help gladden. their
Easter holiday"
"Do you not entertain at oil during
Leni?" l asked, continuing my cate
cnism.
"Yes," my friend replied, shut l do
not usually call my rich nsiRhbors.
NV festivities are confined to those
into whose lives not much brightness
comes, or to those who are lonely be-
cause absent from home"
My friend only paused for breath and
then resumed: "Then, too, 1t is gen.
erally known among the friends whom
| really care for that at 5 o'clock every
day am at home, and will be glad to
ses them. They stop in without FORM
aiity. and 80 it comes to pass that many
pleasant little reunions take place. Al.
ter a Lent passed 10 trying to give ones
higher nature the supremacy not 10