The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1911-03-18

wise beyond her years, through her
early shouldering OF family cares, and
through intercourse with her invalid
charge. Agnes, Mrs. Gilbert knew,
would simply 60 on as Ii nothing had
happened. That would be the outward
aspect; but inwardly, well, it would be
different.
Finally, in the sweet, early June
morning Mrs. Gilbert rose from her
uneasy bed, dressed, and walked rest
lessly about the garden. Presently she
lifted her eyes to the CLEANS of glory
of Him from whom help cometh, and
with her face towards the glowing
East, like the friends of God of old,
she prayed that, in this crisis involv-
ing the happiness of many lives, she
might be strengthened to be wise and
right.
The sky was still rich rose and gold,
the sun just above the horizon, when
she returned to the house to prepare
the breakfast, not forgetting to Gull
few early roses for the table. She was
a strong little woman, who had mar
ried young, and was yet hardly forty
two years of age. Thus far she had
felt no need of servant with the
heavier work taken off her hands, as
her son had insisted long ago it
should be.
An early breakfast, however, was
the rule, as John had to ride many
miles to his place of business.
Apparently, he had not slept as we'll
as usual, for he was down half an hour
before his time, the while he affect
ionately chided his mother:
"a fellow never can get the best of
you," he said, taking his place at the
neat little table where his Strawberries
awaited him. The fragrant strong
coffee and the heartier viands which
followed soon dispelled the mists
following on the rare event of night
of broken slumbers, and he chartered
cheerfully and started forth to his
work, the cheer rapidly growing into
gaity.
For Harriet said his mother
gently, as she handed him a fresh
cluster of roses at the gate. "You
will have time to pass the house.
| Nov isn't that sweet of herr" he
thought, half sadly and half gladly.
A slatternly maid opened the Ham
mond's door. ooh, but Miss Harriet
can't be seen for ever so long yet"
II just wish to leave the flowers for
her." he answered. His mother had
| slipped her card in among them.
He called at 8 o'clock two nights
later. The flowers stood in vase on
card table. II had almost forgotten
that you had a mother" said Harriet
with slight constraint.
''The dearest, sweetest little moth
er!' responded John, warmly. "But
you will see her for yourself, any day
that is agreeable to you. She longs
to meet you. I know you will love
each other"
ooh, certainly; any day after the
engagement is announced" answered
Harriet.
John was visibly embarrassed.
But, dearest, that will not be posi-
BILE for good while. You know I am
my mothers sole dependence, and !
cannot honorably marry until I see her
properly provided for"
Harriet was silent long enough
greatly to increase Johns embarrass.
ment. His dreams had been other than
this. He had seen his betrothed hest.
tating, reluctant to part with her
maiden freedom long after he had been
able to urge the sacrifice upon her.
"Well, what can girl know or do?'
she murmured; and then, more softly:
$50 long as your mother knows every
thing is settled between us, I don't
know why she might not call tomorrow
afternoon. Of course, shall be de-
lighted to see her"
II had thought of bringing her over
myself in the evening"" said John
There was no response, but the hour
was waxing late, and the long fare
wells of the young love had yet tC
come.
II will call in the afternoon, John,
said his mother the next day at break
fast. st don't want to spoil your even
ing"
"As if you could spoil anything" he
exclaimed He was too much pre-occu
pied to notice his mothers slow, kind
smile.
"Of course, mother dear, times are
slack at present, or couldn't 60 over
so often myself"
At his next call, it was not Harriet
but Mrs. Hammond who received him
SO charmed to meet your mother
dear John Of course can't call yor
anything else now. Her being such q
young, strong woman simplifies every
thing. I had imagined from all Har
riet said that-do excuse me-she was
almost old and feeble. Why, my dear
boy, she's a charming young widow
Almost anything might happen ant
J she smiled at him, meaningly.