Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1901-07-18
CHAPTER XVI.

dbIt III NitIISVh avenue '''7
dard liked him for bis liberal views on
all religious subjects, and for his ex-
emplary life. They had been chums
a Harvard, belonged TO the same regi-
nent. in which Father Surtees was
chaplain, and frequently met in their
club. They had made tour Of Eu-
rope together, had slept in the same
bed in short. were ideal friends.
The afternoon following the incl
dent recorded in the foregoing chap
ter Goddard went TO visit this priest.
The afternoon was az cloudy as the
preceding day had been, and Father
Surtees' study was lighted by green
shaded lamp on his big writing table,
which was strewn with manuscripts
and notes for a book he was writing.
II hope ] am not interrupting," said
the major, as he was shown in.
You can't interrupt me. old man"
said Father Surtees, emphasizing the
first word OF his greeting as he warm
~ pressed Goddard's hand. II am al
ways ready and waiting for you. But
-" as the ma ior sat down before the
glowing CRATE fire and his features
stood out in relict in the light of the
ie mp-"you really do not look well.
old man"
Goddard smiled and motioned TO q
chair. His smile was very artificial
affair. his gesture mechanical.
"Sit down." he said, before lose
my courage"
Father Surtees complied. wonder
tngly.
you have been q profound mystery
TO me for the last month, Rowland.
Would you believe 7 was Joking if
were to tell you I have lost sleep wor-
rving over you lately? When 7 close
my eyes at night often see your face
and its awful gloom and mystery
drives my rest away. I am glad you
came ! was going to look you up if
you hadn't"
do you remember how I laughed
once" said the major. at the idea
there could really be such a thing as
an objectionable SIM"
~ think agreed with vow" said
The priest stroking his round, beard
less face. while his gray eyes cleaned
in the light Of the FIRE.
The major drew a deep breath. II
was like the sigh Of dying man.
would you mind lowering that
lamp" he said.
certainly not" And Father Sur
tees leaned back in his rocking chair
and turned down the light.
II like it this way myself" he said.
zone can think better in subdued
hight like this from the CRATE"
81 lam not member Of your church"
began Goddard: "bu. il were TO
make special request would you al
low me TO make confession TO vow
10 unburden a conscience that is tot
tering on the verge of spiritual de-
spair?"
You know should listen TO any
thing YOU said. dear friend. as | would
to the trouble of brother
Goddard drew himself up in his
chair.
~ am hungerinR for something
Else" said ne. 81 have heard that a
confession made in due form under
the rules Of your church really does
help men maddened by the conse-
qnences of-of their crimes want
that aid-whatever il is. I want il if
you can by any hook or crook get il
for me-"
eff you have done wrong, God will
pardon it," answered the priest bend
ing forward and sympathetically lool.
ing into the face of his visitor. The
pardon Of God is the most beautiful
law of the universe. You can get II.
You have il now. for ! see that YOU
have already repented as deeply as
man can
Goddard laughed harshly.
Wait until | tell you my story" he
said
II am ready 10 hear it,"
~ dislike to begin il, because 7
know that you will never look at me
In the old way again" said the ma
1u "but to know that l have con-
fded my agony TO some one will help
q little"
Nothing you have done could make
me feel differently towards you, my
old friend. so GO ahead I feel that
God will let me help you. think I
have helped every soul that has ever
confessed to me-"
Then in a low, uneven voice Goddard
told the story OF his first love for his
ward, his intention of making her his
wife.
"Ah, remember that WE'LL" put in
Father Surtees. II remember when
you first came TO me in your boyish
enthusiasm and told me Shout her.
Then you remember, when you intro
fuced me "a, her how her rare beauty,
her wonderful personality swept mo
of my feet in admiration, Why old
man, ! felt like shouting for JOY when
you told me she was to he your wife"
Then | met the other" said God.
dard
"Ah. yes. you met the other!" Tho
eyes Of the priest were fixed on the
rug at his feet. And as the aior
began the second part Of his recital,
and plunged into the details of
Jeannes plot, Father Surtees' face
seemed to turn TO bronze in the fitful
CLEANS OF the burning Goals. He sat
listening with clenched hands, his fine
features almost awry from the mental
strain upon him,
"Merciful God! !" he exclaimed.
IT knew you would be quite unpre-