The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-07-03
Our Daily Sport Story

into sight with its spacious grounds its beautiful schools. and yes-there hidden back among the trees was the convent,
 Soon he found himself timidly knocking al
 the great front door. He had not long ta
 wait, for soon the door swung back on fta hinges and disclosed the form of a tall graceful nun. Almost like a schooiboy did ne biurt out his errand, but the nun quietly told him that Alice could see no caliera that evening as at present she was on q retreat. retreat that was soon to change her whole life. for on the morrow she waa to become Sister Mary Bernardeen. Her sank within him. He opened his lips as II to speak. but ere he could answer the doos was softly closed and he heard the bolt slip into place.
 down the long white walk; ponderinx on what he would do next for 1t was necessary | that he should see her that night or she would be lost to him forever. The door of the church being open, he peered in. at- tracted by the lovely sight within, soon found himself in one of the back pews The
 altars were one mass of beautiful flowers,
 while along the chsnoel railing were ma
 Jestic palms and dropping ferns. Lighted
 candles twinkled like so many stars between
 stately lilies and flaming American beauties,
 while the statue of the Virgin smiled se- renely down upon all. A soft religious light stealing in through the richly painted win dows. made by a last faint ray of sunlight, made the place seem almost heavenly. A strange feeling came over the man as he
 sat there in meditation. Again he was 6 boy at his mothers knee saying his even ing prayers He could almost hear her soft voice saying f"When you are in trouble. my boy. don't forget to pray" and soop this man who had not sought God in ten
 long years. found himself kneeiing and praying from his heart as he had never done before. So absorbed was he in his reverie that he did not notice the entrance of woman who came softly in through the vestry door. In her hands she bore a pro- fusion of flowers. flowers to make the place more beautiful when sweet Alice Moore be- came Sister Mary Bernadreen. Scanning every nook and corner, she could find no suitable place for them. but. upon looking to- wards the high altar, softly whispered. How lovely they would look in the arms of the Virgin" and. cautiously climbing upon the great white altar. she began ar ranging the flowers. It was no easy task to accomplish, and so intent was she upon her task that she noticed not the small lighted candle at her dress hem. Brushing against it. the thin. gauzy material soon became mass of flames. but not until her skirt was a sheet of fire did the gir; notice her plight. She cried aloud in her terror. a cry that reached the ears of the kneeling man and brought him to his senses. Hastily. he tore off his coat, madly rushed up the long aisle. leaped over the chsncel rail and ere many seconds elapsed reached the girl upon her dizzy perch and. throw ing his coat about her. soon had the flames extinguished But before the last spark died out. the girl sank unconscious in his arms
 Tenderly he carried her to the steps of the altar and hastened to the vestry to pro- cure some water. thinking with wildly beating heart. What If 1t were my Alice?" Returning with the water he knelt beside the unconscious girl and push ing back the veil of golden hair that had become awry, he beheld the face of his beloved Alice Gathering her up into his arms, he pressed q passionate kiss upon the white brow, murmuring words of love. when the blue eyes opened and looked up into his face, a slight shudder passing through her slender foIAi. Trying to Selease herself from the arms of the man whom she thought a stranger. she politely said If you please, sir, 1 don't think you have any right to treat me thus. even though you did save me from horrible death." Alice, do you not know me?" answered the trembling man who was quite overcoma with excitement and joy at finding his dar- ling Do you not know your betrothed lover?" Frank. can 1t really be you? am so glad you have come again." and again she lapsed into unconsciousness and would have fallen if again his strong arr had not been her protection.
 Some hours later a very radiant and happy young man emerged from the study of the Mother Superior. whither he had gone for counsel. It was evident that he had won the day. for he was met in the hall by very pale yet smiling girl. and from all appearances there would soon be Mrs. Frank Ashley instead of a Sister Mary ReFnardeen.