Little Falls herald. [volume] (Little Falls, Morrison County, Minn.) 1889-1950, 1903-07-31

IL was morning When Marie aWOKo
and the air was filled with the chimes
of many bells. The dream was still
vivid in her mind and, inyoluntarily
she glanced att the wall where the pic
ture of the Madonna hung. 1t was in
its place, but she could not escape the
thought that the scene which was so
vivid in her mind had really been en-
acted. The hour for morning serv-
ice was approaching and she felt a sud-
den desire to sit once more with the
congregation in the holy silence, to
join in the responses, and to hear the
music of the familiar songs. For
months she had not entered the church
doors, but her talk with Sister Cecilia
and the vision of the Madonna had
decided her to try once more the con-
| ISOLATION of religion.
When Marie came out upon the street
that bright Easter morning she found
Sister Cecilia already at the door.
II came for you," said the Sister,
simply.
II am ready, Sister Cecilia" replied
Marie with equal simplicity. 81 had
such beautiful dream last night, and
think-yes, I know I had already de.
cided-''
ITO 60 to church," !
EYES,"
"It must have been a good dream,
indeed"
1T was message from the Madonna.
She told me that which made me I'M
derstand."
They were walking rapidly toward
the church. AS they were about to turn
corner of the street that led up to the
ediice hearty voice cried out:
''Marie! Why do you run away from
me?" and turning they saw Pierre hur-
rying to overtake them.
"Pierre! Pierre!' murmured the
girl, pale and trembling.
'Pierre, that was, Jim Bradford that
is. Don't be frightened at the change,
little sweetheart. A sombrero,
corduroy jacket and the privilege of
knocking man down without the fear
of having to apologize for sailing under
false colors suits me better than play
ing the role of an artist. But the praise
was worth the trouble a thousand
times over. Give me your hands, little
girl, and say that you forgive me-"
Marie would have thrown herself
into the arms of her lover, but Sister
Cecilia interposed. "Tell me- she
said, "before you lead this poor child
into deeper trouble; how can you be so
bold and heartless. You acknowledge
to having won her affections under
fo1 loF< f@.
the scorn of her associates, weeping
her heart out for love of you, and then
come back expecting her to believe you
honest
"All in time. good Sister. You see I
had plainsman's dread of being loved
for my few miles square of pasture, and
the cattle that kept the grass trimmed,
rather than for myself. So became
poor artist and went seeking wife.
I believed I had found her in Marie,
but there was one more test; how far
would her trust in me go. Invent away,
but not so far that I could not keep
track of what Was going on here. She
has proved herself an angel. It wrung
my heart to see her sorrow, but for
every moment OF anguish have caused
! her she shall have a thousand glad
ones. What do you say, little girl: am
to be forgiven?"
II have never doubted you, as the
good Sister here will tell you. Besides,
you know it is Easter morning. Don't
you hear the bells over there ringing
out the proclamation? lam the resur-
rection and the life, and whatsoever be-
! lieveth on me, though he were dead. yet
shall he live again. believed in you,
and here you are"
She gave him her hands. For mo-
ment they stood looking into each
others eyes. Then with the Sister
walking with bowed head before them
they entered the door of the church.