The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1911-03-04

summer paradise, Until l6r revere
was disturbed by the furious beat of
horses hoofs on the trail above. Just
opposite the bower they halted for an
instant, and then pounded madly on
again; while Ruth felt herself lifted
and borne swiftly to the steep hillside
| in the strong arms of Bernard Caro-
Ian. And not an instant too soon, for
scarcely had they reached place of
safety when with a mighty roar a
seething wall of water swept over the
spot where moment before she had
fancied herself SO secure.
Thank God!" gasped Bernard, still
holding her fast. Then, recollecting
himself, he apologized. "You must think
me very hasty in bearing you away
without word of explanation" he
said, ''but it was time for action, not
for words. I saw the cloud-burst on
Lookout Peak as I was riding along
the river above the mill, and my first
thought was Of you. put Black Prince
through his PAGES; and, thank Heav-
en-, we reached you in time! I knew
could not ride him up the hillside,
so I dismounted and urged him on
when reached your retreat His life
depends upon his speed If he can
reach the rise on the opposite side of
the gulch in time he is safe. But why
those tears? You are quite safe now,
you know" st isn't that" Ruth re-
piled in tremulous voice. 'I've lost
my catechism. Yes, you may laugh;
| it sounds absurd I know for a pagan
like myself to bemoan the loss of a
catechism; but that book has been my
constant companion throughout the
summer-the only book I possessed"
'sThat is easily remedied," returned
Bernard. "As to books, mine are at
your disposal. And if you will accept
my company, shall be pleased to
show you the beauties of our noun
tains. My brother is at home now;
and, as he can take my place at the
mill, am free to go and come at
will. Meanwhile, it would be madness
to attempt to return to Cedar Canon
until the water recedes; and as that
will occupy several hours you must
come home with me and have tea
Mother will be delighted to meet you
But please do not air any of your per-
nicious doctrines about the 'condemna-
ton of ADAM" he added laughingly.
my mother is dear old saint who
would be shocked at such revolution.
airy theories, and my brother Hugh is
at home on vacation from Menlo Park,
where is studying for the priesthood"
What little prig I was!" said
Ruth; and then, sadly: There is no
fear of my defending doctrines which
l no longer hold. The truth is, am
utterly at sea. have lost the little
faith I once had in my old creed, and
can not bring myself to accept any
other
II shouldn't worry Miss Dean. If
you are honestly seeking the light
and am sure you are-it will come in
time. The darkest hour is just before
the dawn, you know rejoined Ber-
nard, simply And his calm assurance
was strangely comforting to the per,
picked girl.
AS they talked they assembled the
hill, and from it's crest Ruth gazed
upon a lovely little valley set like
gem amidst the encircling hills. How
peaceful it was, with it's spreading
trees, it's rich green meadows, dotted
here and there with grazing cattle; it's
crystal brook swelling up from a tiny
placid lake; and, GROWING a green
oY,o ROY N xryhi+ IN 1nH
many-windowed house, with red-tiled
roofs and broad arched porches, half
concealed by rose vines, whose red
and creamy blossoms, filled the air
with fragrance.
AS the young people passed up the
graveled walk, Mrs. Carolan came
forth to meet them; and her greeting
was such perfect blending OF
warmth and dignity that the girls
heart went out to her at once. How
like fair old-fashioned flower she
looked, in her soft black gown with
bit of real lace at the throat, her white
hair ripping back from the kindest
face that Ruth had ever seen! At the
end of the broad veranda was Mr..
Carolan in the homely comfort of
slippers and smoking jacket; while
near by stood young man SO CLASH
cally handsome that to any but preJu-
diced eyes Bernard must appear COM
monplace beside him.
After the greetings and introduc-
tions were over, Mrs Carolan bore
Ruth off to her own room for those
mysterious "freshening-up" processes
so dear to the feminine heart AS
they passed through the spacious en-
trance hall, the girl noted with approx
al the simple elegance of its furnish
ings; its polished floor strewn here
and there with shreds of beautiful car
pet. Through an open door she caught
glimpse of a lofty ROOM. its walls
lined with well-filled bookcases that
proclaimed Bernard's offer Of books as
genuine. And everywhere were crys-
tai bowls filed with fragrant roses.
i