The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1907-07-13
By Allison N. Lederer.

was continually brushing away with the back OF
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 home this evening at eight.
o'clock?"
IT am always ready to receive you, my children:
might stroll down to the beach on such an even
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 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 were gone.
Father McGrath 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 moon was high in the heavens, but still
lighting the in silver splendor, with great
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 was pacing his porch
after. dinDers His hands were behind his back and
his head was thrust well forward. He was still
thinking of Eugene Gaillard and Michael HAL
loran: and WONDERING
It. 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 ever
greens, was place of thousand beauties in the
light Of the full clear NOON. The shadows were
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. II am
always at your service. What can I, or what can
holy church do for your"
The question seemed to carry It's own answer.
Father McGrath seemed to realize this of a sud-
den, and so it almost without surprise that he
heard the young mans prompt reply:
"She can make us man and wife, father?"
But the old priest shook his head The feud Of
their families quite familiar to him; it was
common property at Gallilee. 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 sea. There were two modest
half filled bookcases and a comfortable with an
oil lamp This was 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-1 am loath to re-
fer to it, but the dierence-has it happily been ad
justed, my children?"
"No, father" answered tho young man frankly
"It can never be hoped that my mother and MI.
Gailard may be brought together. The very IN
reasonableness of their difference makes this Ger
tain. We could never hope for their consent"
The old man shook his head. II am afraid, then,
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 impassioned appeal.
"Oh, father, you wouldn't refuse to help US If
you knew. If you only KNEW. My father is 80
rrro,socch1o To Michael faI,lf Ia r. nm