The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1912-04-27
THE CATHOLIC BULLETIN, APRIL ~, 1912.

the family. / well remembered the
and that somewhat casually, about
three years before. She was sixteen
at the time fragile and childlike in
appearance, and with a sweet, shy
manner. Contrary to the provisions of
the State law, she had already been
at work four years, and faint lines
showed sadly around the corners OF
her soft eyes-eyes of true Irish blue.
Even at the time / was vaguely
troubled about the girls future. She
seemed too frail, too gently attrac-
tive to be thrust forth thus to battle
with the world. l safely enrolled her
in the Children of Mary, however; and
now and then at my Mass, all unbid-
den, seemed to come to my lips spe-
cial memento for Kathleen Mulcahey.
But not till the evening of which
am speaking had I heard any further
tidings of her.
Don't try to coerce her into max
ing the mission" I had advised the
fearful Mrs. Muleahey. Perhaps she
would come to see me?" added ten
tatively.
Indeed, Father, she wouldn't" said
Mrs. Mulcahey conclusively.
I pondered moment, then an in
spiration seemed to come to me. !
picked up sheet of paper and scrib-
bled some words like these: "Kath-
leen, one who is in trouble needs your
help. Will you come to see me to-
morrow EVENING"" I enclosed the
paper in an envelope and addressed
the latter to Miss Kathleen Mulcahey.
II think that will fetch her." l said,
with a confidence which surprised
even myself. And I handed the COM
munication to my caller
Mrs. Mulcahey opened her mouth
in amazement-perhaps in protest;
but, fortunately, at the instant the
bell rang and another caller was an
nounced.
And, after all, my note did produce
the desired effect Kathleen Mulcahey
came to see me, but did not on the
evening I designated. Had she come
then-well, perhaps l should never
have had this story to tell.
The good old priest paused, while
look of pain fitted for an instant
across his refined and gentle features.
1t was one evening toward the close
of the mission. "I had thought of the
girl often, but had almost given up
any hope of seeing her. I was usher
ing one caller out, and just about to
close the hall door when I heard a
light step approaching. In another
moment Kathleen stood in the illum-
ination from the hall light, and | knew
her. She was changed in many ways,
and yet it seemed to me that, under
any circumstances, I should have
known the gentle Kathleen, whose
name was so often in my prayers.
1t was not, however, till we were
seated in my Office, directly facing
each other, that I had my first good
look at her. I suppose l could not
conceal the surprise and distress
which | felt.
Am l all that changed, Father"
said the girl, simply. There twas a
gentle dignity in her manner.
you have been ill, child?"
"A little, Father" she replied-"not
much. I don't have the time
Zone should always take time to
keep well,'' said, trifle clumsily
suppose, for was somewhat confused
Kathleen smiled a sad little smile,
which it somehow wrenched my
heart to see. Then a look of keen
anxiety crossed her features.
20 Father, you won't give me
away?" she said, clasping her hands
together. eff I can only hold out an
other six months, Patsy and Nellie
will be sixteen-they're twins-and
old enough to go to work"