The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1911-08-05
Continued from page So
FROM THE CONVENT CELL.

ct sounds like a plagiarism from
Hooking" commented Oswald.
ct proves that Mr.. bookings stories
of convent life are perfectly true!"
declared Aunt Helen, warmly.
I'm what convent was this young
lady imprisoned?"
."Oh, she dare not tell! She says
that to do so would lead to the dis
covery of the persons who helped her
to escape-two poor lay Sisters-and
she shudders to think what would be
done to them then
why didn't they escape with her?"
'T'm sure / do not know; probably
it was not possible. Miss Mercer lives
in terror of the Jesuits discovering
her hiding place, and carrying her off
to the convent again"
"She should apply for police pro-
lection; the Jesuits are getting off too
easily" said Oswald by the way,
did / ever tell you that / have been
amongst nuns? Not far from my
house there is an orphan asylum in
charge of Sisterhood, and one night
lire UIOhO OuL III q uOA 1AAIOAy. "A ol0-
ter was badly burned in rescuing a
child; she did it at the risk of her
life. AS result, she is permanently
disfigured. I, being the nearest medi-
cal man, was called in to attend her;
and, after that first night, had to go
rather frequently
"Yes?' said Mrs. Powyl, on the tip
toe of expectation.
well, had opportunities of seeing
how those nuns Undergraduates of
knowing them and their work-their
simple goodness, their childlike faith
and innocence, their devotion to poor
and friendless children. | shall never
forget the cheerful patience with
which Sister Lucy bore her sufferings,
nor her gratitude for my services, nor
her promise of prayers. How often
have been comforted by the thought
that those guileless, sanity women do
sometimes remember me before Cod"
Aunt Helen was amazed first, then
annoyed, then touched. She loved
Oswald, and his sincerity and earnest
ness affected her.
"Romanism has shown you it's fair
side," she said, though mildly.
"Can bad tree bring forth such per-
feet fruit? When next you visit me,
i, l shall take you to the orphan asylum
and let you judge for yourself"
'I'll go willingly, my dear! l may
have chance of speaking a word in
season to the poor misguided souls, y
said Mrs Powyl with great satisfac.
ton picturing herself as missionary
to nuns "And you also must see the
other side-you must meet Miss Mer
cer'
81 am really anxious to do so, dear
Aunt Helen
well, then, instead of going golfing
tomorrow, stay at home, and you will
see the ladies. They are coming to
lunch with me-"
When Oswald was presented to the
escaped nun" he surveyed her with
pardonable curiosity. She was pale
and languid, and wore species Of
mantilla to hide her loss of hair;
doubtless her extreme shyness was
due to her former seclusion in the
convent
"Agathas health is improving in thi:
delightful place." Mrs. Mercer said
But / am in such difficulty, deal
Mrs. Powyl! I am obliged to go tt
London tomorrow on important bust
ness, and she positively refuses to b.
left behind.
"You know that l dare not sta,
alone, mother" said Agatha, tremu
lously.
"My darling, quite understand! Blu
what is to be done? You are not wei
enough to travel so far; and even i
you were, it is pity to drag you t.
town for only couple of days. Blu
you know that really must co.
/ 81 must face the journey then,
sighed Agatha.
mot at all" interposed Mrs. Powyl
"You would not be afraid to stay will
me until your mother returns, woul.
you? The Pope himself shall not TAX
you out of my care
The grateful Mrs. Mercer sobbe,
into her handkerchief.
How good you are!" she cried
How kind, how truly noble! can al
most forgive those cruel nuns, as blu
for them I should never have know
you and gained your gracious syn
pathy.'
J I'VE will take the best care of you
Miss Mercer" said DR.. Powyl, cheer
fully.
Il am sure of that" she replied
!, do you think l shall ever get owe
!, this frightful nervousness, this terro
of my own shadow"
st am sure you WILL" he said de
cisively; and as the visitors rose t
depart he opened the door for them.
Beside it stood a huge bowl of flow
ers, and somehow or another he knock
ed it over, so that pool of water la,
on the floor He apologized for hi
clumsiness, and escorted the ladies t