Los Angeles herald., 1907-07-14
By Alison M. Lederer.

her gloved hand, did not escape the old priest.
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 homo this evening at eight
oclock?'
"I am always ready to receive you, my children.
I might stroll down to the beach on such an even
ing" answered the genial old priest looking back
at the sea- which was all tinted pearly pink by the
setting sun where the pillows did not rise blue and
sharp to the point of breaking into mass Of
white foam. "But If you say you are coming"
eyes, we shall be here at about eight, father"
returned Michael and then he laid his reins along
the neck of his horse and the two we're gone.
Father McGrath still standing under his
porte-cochere looking after the two trim figures
in riding clothes disappearing down the road in a
cloud of dust, and wondering and wondering,
when the servant announced his dinner.
The moon high in the heavens, but still
lighting the in silver spendor, with grea.
patches Of blackness here and there, the reflect
ions of flying rack of clouds blown up from the
horizon by sharp wind which had arisen after
sunset Father McGrath pacing his porch
after dinner. His hands behind his back and
his head was thrust we'll forward. He was still
thinking of Eugene Gaillard and Michael Hal
oran; and wondering.
WAC chs WI two hun 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 ever
greens, a place of thousand beauties in the
light of the full clear moon. The shadows
clean-cut, and the deep blue light was rather warm
than cold. Father McGrath stood at 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, IT am
always at your service. What I, or what
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
"She can make US man and wife, father?"
But the old priest shook his head. The feud of
their families was quite familiar to him; it
common property at Gallilee. The girl and the
bow followed Father McGrath into his study. The
study was very unpretentious little sitting-room
in the rear of the house. toward the church, and
looking out over the sea- There two modest,
half-flled bookcases and comfortable with an
oil lamp This all that proclaimed it study.
expect the awed manner in which the simple par
ishioners spoke Of it as 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 an evident struggle.
"Your families, my children am loath to re-
fer to it, but the diference-has 1t happily been ad
justed my children"
"No. father" answered the young man frankly.
est be hoped that my mother and Mr.
Gaard may be brought together. The very
roasonabeness of their difference makes this GER
tain. We could never hope for their consent"
The old man shook his head. IT am afraid then,
I 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-
lberate and impetuous, and her words rose with
calm dignity to the imprisoned appeal
ooh, father, you wouldn't refuse to help us II
you knew. II you only knew! My father is so
unreasonable. Is 1t Mchael's fault, is 1t his mo-
theirs fault that--that it happened? Wasn't 1t as
aa..l Ro.t L.. L..