The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1911-05-06

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his hand upon his friends shoulder,
continued, "a week from today, l
marry Eleanor. promise to cut the
boys and the drink after that"
In the little country church, where
the waters of Baptism had fallen up
on her head, where her first girlish
faults had been forgiven her, where
first she had received her Sacra-
mental Lord, Eleanor Everheart
breathed her marriage VOWS. Until
death do We part"
After a brief honeymoon, the young
couple returned to the city, where DIR.
William Leanard was rapidly build
ing for himself profitable practice,
and an enviable reputation.
For a little while they were in
tensely happy. Eleanor's tender low
ing heart, true womanly sympathy,
dainty housewifely ways and rare
musical gifts, made the little home
almost an earthly paradise. Then
when a wee bit of humanity, with it's
mothers winning ways, and its faith
er's glorious eyes, came to bless that
home, the cup of happiness was filled
to the brim. But into this earthly
paradise the serpent entered.
y
'You will be home early tonight?"
said Eleanor.
William dressed to go out, bent
down to kiss his son before he an
swered; II must stay until the din
ner is ended, Eleanor. Don't wait.
Go to bed There's a good girl.
Good night" "Hope they won't have
anything to drink" said William to
himself, as he ran down the steps.
cts getting mighty hard for me
to stop, once get started"
The smile left Eleanor's face as
soon as the door closed and with a
sigh, she began to undress her boy.
Tenderly she rocked him to sleep, and
putting him in his little crib, knelt
beside it. It was long past midnight,
she heard her husbands footsteps.
The hand that fitted the latch key
was all too unsteady. She listened
until she heard the door close and
then stole quietly to bed.
II tell you William, you are in no
condition to perform that operation.
See how your hand trembles," said
DIR. Frieberg to William the morning
after the dinner.
Nonsense. This will steady it" re-
piled DR.. Leanard, as he drained the
contents of the glass he held in his
hand. Il must do it as there is no
one else who understands the case. "
The door of the consulting room
opened, and = white capped nurse
stood there. 1--WE are ready, Doc
tor she said.
Cali right I will come at once,
replied Dr. Leanard:
Eleanor was sewing while baby
played on the floor. She was happy
to-day, for only this morning William
had promised to stop drinking. Sud
denly the door was thrown open and
William entered With piteous
groan, he dropped into chair and
covered his face with his hands.
Eleanor sprang to his side. what is
the matter, William"
Don't touch me, Eleanor. I am
ruined! ruined! ruined!" And the
strong man trembled like leaf.
flush, Try and tell me dear, "
said Eleanor.
While they were talking, DR.. Erie
berg entered, having followed Viii.
liam from the hospital.
"Brace up, man; don't make such
a fool of yourself Leanard." Turn.
ing to Eleanor, DR.. Frieberg continu.
ed, 'There was an accident at the
hospital to-day, William was operat
ing-a very serious case-the knife
slipped, and we fear the patient may
not recover"
TELL the truth. Be honest. I was
drunk last night, / went into that op
Grating room, with shaking hands.
knew I was in no condition to do the
work. I tell you if that woman dies
I am a murderer" cried William
Throwing off his wife's hand, the des
perate man began to pace the floor.
The silence was broken by the ring
ing of the door bell. In moment
the maid stood in the door, holding 9
letter in her hand. cdr. Frieberg?'
she asked.
Eyes," he took the envelope, tore il
open, and read the contents.
"The woman is dead" he sale
quietly.
| The serious illness of DR.. Lean
ards, that followed the unfortunate
affair, aided the hospital authorities
in hushing up the matter. 1t was
months before he was able to resume
his practice.
| A number of years later, as DR.
Leanard was returning home one eve
ming, he stopped at the Office of {
friend well, you do look all in
Leanard his friend said. what ails
you?"
Eyes, it has been hard pull. Three
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