The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1911-09-09

ter; whilst others were very matter
of-fact epistles indeed, and those she
had received within the last few
years.
| There was a very sober expression
on Mary's face as she read her let
tiers, and by-and-by tears began to
fall upon them thick and fast.
Il don't know what ought to do
she murmured. "Oh, dear, life is very
puzzling and very sad!'
Then she fell on her knees by her
bedside, and prayed for the lover
who was Fastening to claim her, for
the friend of whom she had unwit-
tingly caused pain; and, last of all,
for herself, for guidance and strength
to act Alright.
The day that Mary Morris had
looked forward to for years as dim
possibility had come, and she and
| Leonard Wake were together again.
She had met him at the railway sta
ton, and they strolled to public
park, where the could talk undis-
| turbed.
1T all seems so unreal" she said,
after while. Il feel as though
must be asleep, and shall wake up
presently to find I have been dream
! ing. Do you--do you see me much
changed?''
NO" he answered, except that
you are little paler and thinner than
you used to be. | have altered in
appearance more than YOU"
She looked at him critically He
had been slenderly built as a youth,
and his figure was still slight; but the
climate had evidently told on him.
His face was parched and sallow, his
fair hair thin, and his voice had be-
come languid in tone; in short, youth
seemed to have left him. Only his
eyes were unchanged, and they smiled
very tenderly as they rested on Mary.
He questioned her about her IA
theirs illness and death, and then
turned the conversation to his life in
the Philippines. By-and-by he spoke
of the future-their future.
ooh, do you care for me as much
as ever" she cried 1--WE have been
faithful to each other, but-but would
you choose me for your wife now if
Oh, don't-don't let us make a mis-
takei"
What do you mean" he asked.
The languor had gone from his voice,
and he spoke almost sharply. Then,
as she made no answer, he continued:
1--WE are both naturally excited, and
and feel little strange with each
other after our long separation; but
If our hearts are unchanged, that is
the great thing"
Eyes, that is the great thing" she
agreed, regarding him anxiously.
In the old days his countenance had
been sure index to his feelings; it
told her nothing now He retained
her hand, but his gaze had left her
face, SO that she could not see the
expression of his eyes. He did not
end his unfinished sentence, and when
he spoke again his voice had resumed
it's former languid tone.
| ST hope to spend few days in
Rochester, he informed her, $50 we
shall have plenty of time for making
our plans. Shall we go and get some
tea now?'
ooh, yes!" she assented, THAT
would be nice!"
They rose and left the park. At
the restaurant they had tea together,
and during the meal conversation
flowed more easily. They talked of
old days, and did not mention the flu
ture. Afterwards he escorted her to
the door of her home
II shall see you tomorrow" she
said as she gave him her hand. "Per-
haps you will call for me, or shall I
meet you somewhere"
He hesitated, considering.
Il will let you know-send you a
note" he replied. He was holding
her hand SO tight that she WINGED
and he dropped it with an apology,
and added a hasty Goodbye"
mo, not goodbye night"
she amended, with a smile.
He returned her smile, then, lift
ing his hat, moved away She lin
gered on the doorstep watching him,
and at the street corner he looked
back; whereupon she waved her hand,
and retreated into the house
Continued on page7.)