Los Angeles herald., 1906-03-11

lS=S5,5SI the good people of Rivoli, for it was
tSssksgD gala-day with them
-, Daphne, my uncle and myself rose
Win the break of day, and at an early hour we
were standing in the market-place watching the
worshlppers throng into the cathedral
AS we came as spectators only we took I'D our
position In side-cloister Looking round for the
ai'isC among the crowd of worshippers I at
length discovered him in the very first line of
seats.
We had not occupied our position in the aisle
above two minutes, when forth from the sacrist,
issued the train of the priests and their auxil.
iaries' Father lgnatius, his eyes fixed on the
ground came last, robed in magnificent white
cope' ana bearing under veil the sacred vessels
which he deposited the altar
Inc service commenced The organ touched
by master-hand, rolled with grand cadence
through the cathedral, now swelling high anil
ioud % 10 the lofty arches above, now dying away
with faint echoes in far-off aisles
| The tinkling bell of the acolvte sounded and
the assembly fell their knees as Father To-
natlus elevated the sacred host
Inc time had come for the people to receive
'he mass. Among the first to advance and knes
reverently at the altar-rails was Angelo.
The administration of the sacrament was con-
Quoted by Father Ignatius accompanied bv the
deacon, who held the paten under his host as II
was placed on the tongue of the receiver The
worthy padre commenced at the Epstle side of
the altar. Angelo was the ninth in order from
that end.
waited with painful interest for the priest TO
confront Angelo, absurdly thinking there might
De some secret between them. | was certainly not
prepared for the result. As Angelo reverently
elevated his face to receive the wafer between
his lips, lgnatius, affecting not to notice the ac-
ton, passed him by for the next communicate.
and proceeded with the delivery
My wonder found its reflection in the wide
open eyes of Daphne; her arm trembled on mino
but she did not speak; for deep silence had
fallen over all
What could Angelo have done to forfeit tbe
light there rose before the confessional scene
OF the preceding day. Was the rejection of
Angelo the result of the recital made to Father
lgnatius by the siver-haired pentent?
The hrst line of communicates retired to their
seats The artist did not move but remained
kneeling solitary and silent
For brief moment had entertained the idea
that lgnatlus, IN passing Angelo had perhaps
committed an oversight. 1t was impossible now
for him not to perceive the artist; but with a
face cold and impenetrable as marble he stood
erect within the chancel, openly ignoring the
others mute appeal to be noticed 1t was clear
that his refusal to give the Communion to him
deliberate act.
Despite my jealousy I could not help pitying
the artist at having to suffer this slight in the
lace OIL great mass OIL people. lie mad crossed
the sea and Travelled hundreds of miles expressly
to be present at this solemn festa-a fiesta hal
lowed by all the memories of his childhood and
youth; and the end of it all was to become an ex-
communicate from the church he loved, an OBJ
ject of suspicion to the people among whom he
had been reared.
Several minutes had elapsed since the first
communicates had retired; second line had not
vet come forward, and the artist continued to
knee in silent loneliness. Still he moved not,
ss if dreading to lift his head and face the won.
dering eyes of the faithful.
Suddenly the deep hush and awe that Law on
all was broken. Sweetly, solemny, from some
hidden portion of the chancel in tones as clear
silver be the voice of a woman arose. She
was singing a sacred solo; and the words directed
none to draw the altar but those whose
conscences were pure, whose lives were holy.
The effect Of this music was thrilling in the ex-
treme. Whether applicable or not to the would
be communicate, certain it was that his whole
figure quivered like an aspen and his head sank
still lower the chancerails.
Still Angelo did not stir; and the deacon
glanced at Father Ignatius, as if apprehensive of
a disturbance That ecclesiastic STAYED off the
difficulty for time motioning the attendants to
bring forward a second line of communicates,
who, advancing to the chancel, knelt some on
one side of Angelo, some the other.
Would the priest ignore the artist a second
time? was the thought that filled every mind in
the cathedral Interest cleaned from every face.
The only person who showed no trace of feeling
was Ignatius himself With solemn air he pro
ceeded to the delivery of the Sacrament Once
more he approached the artist who elevated his
face to receive the host, and once more did Ig.
natius pass him by.
At this second refusal Angelo bounded to his
feet with sudderness that startled every one
except Ignatius who, calm and digniied, drew
back few PAGES, covering with the linen corpo-
raj the paten containing the waters as if to
guard them from seizure and proclamation.
With eyes of fire and lip of scorn Angelo glarod
round on the assembly, if in disdain of any
opinion they might have formed of him, his face
proud, dark, and defiant. The cathedral attend
ants, observing his wild bearing, were stepping
forward to remove him, but signal from Father
Ignatus checked their advance
"Peace!' he exclaimed with lifted hand
peace! Let there be no tumult, pray you, nv
children Ny conduct may seem harsh, but the
occasion warrants it. Ny son." he continued,
turning to the artist, "you have forced this hui
initiation on yourself Warned yestereven by
me that you had forfeited the privileges of The
Church, you have yet dared to disobey her voice,
and to approach her hallowed altar Leave this
holy place, pray you in quietude"
A wave of emotion swept over Angelo but
with an effort he subdued it, and faced the
priest.
Zone question, and / retire For what reason
10 you thus refuse me the mass?"
''The reverence due to the holy mysteries for
bids you to participate in them. Now CO." The
voice of Judge giving sentence of death could
not have been impressive than the sol
:mn tones issuing from the depths of the chan. =
eel "Will you compel me to speak out?" he
added, as the artist showed sign of moving.