The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1907-07-07
By Alison M. Lederer.

Then Michael alluded to the purpose of the
visit without explanation.
1--WE stopped in to ask you. father, whether you
are going to be at home this evening at eight
o'clock?"
81 am always ready to receive you, my children.
I might stroll down to the beach such
ing answered the genial old priest looking back
at the sea- which all tinted pearly pink by the
setting sun where the pillows did rise blue and
sharp to the point of breaking into of
white foam. But if you say you coming
Eyes. we shall be here at about eight, father
returned Michael and then he laid his rens along
the neck of his horse and the two gone.
Father McGrath was still standing under his
porte-cochere, looking after the two trim figures
in riding clothes disappearing down the road in
cloud of dust, and wondering and wondering,
when the servant announced his dinner.
The noon was high in the heavens, but still
lighting the in silver spendor, with grea.
patches of bIackness here and there. the reflect
ions of a flying rack of clouds blown up from the
horizon by sharp wind which had arisen after
sunset. Father McGrath was pacing his porch
after dinner. His hands behind his back
his head thrust well forward. He still
thinking of Eugene Gaillard and Michael Hal
loran; and wondering.
1t was sharp eight when two figures, bundled in
long flying coats and huddled close together walked
briskly up the white gravel path. The little lawn.
with its flower beds and sharply trimmed
greens, a place of thousand beauties in the
light of the full clear The shadows
clean-cut, and the deep blue light rather
than cold. Father McGrath stood the head of
his stoop to receive them Michael assisted the
girl up the steps and then turned to the priest.
''You have been waiting for us, father?"
my Children exclaimed the old man, II am
holy church do for you?'
The question seemed to carry its answer
Father McGrath seemed to realize this of sud
den and so it almost without surprise that he
heard the young mans prompt reply:
''She make and wife, father?'
But the old priest shook his head The feud of
their families quite familiar to him; it was
common property at Gaee The girl and the
boy followed Father .McGrath into his study The
study was very unpretentious little sitting-room
in the of the house toward the church, and
looking out over the There were two modest.
haf-flled bookcases and a center-table with
oil lamp. This was all that proclaimed it study,
expect the awed manner in which the simple par
ishoners spoke of it such.
Father McGrath indicated chairs and began
pacing the floor, his hands behind his back. For
a full minute there was silence. Then the priest
spoke slowly and with evident struggle.
'.Youc families. my children loath to
fer to it, but the difference-has happily been
justed, my children"
''No, father" answered the young frankly.
cit never be hoped that my mother and Mr..
Gaard may be brought together. The very un-
reasonableness of their difference makes this
tain We could never hope for their consent
The old man shook his head. 81 afraid, then,
1 can not help YOU he concluded simply; but all
the tenderness of father of the blood was in his
voice.
Eugene rose from her chair and came straight
to Father McGrath. Her manner was both de-
liberate and impetuous, and her words with
calm dignity to the impassioned appeal.
eOh, aszher. you wouldn't refuse to help US if
you knew. II yea only knew Ny father is so
unreasonable Is it Michae1ss fault, is it his
theirs fault that-that it happened? N-sn't it
dreadful for them as it was for US? He is
So unjust!'
my child your father is very good man.
Our Lady Star of the Sea him much" pro-
tested the old priest gently.
.sDo YOU call that goodness?" the girl went on
with rising emotion. els it piety to contribute
money TO the material welfare of a church. and to