The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1912-03-09
Mrs. Long shook her head.

he will ever alter his views. His atti-
tude towards Evelyn's religion is one
of detached indulgence. He is good
man, am sure, but he loves her in
spite of her belief-there is a distinct
attitude of concession in it. Evelyn, /
think, sincerely regrets the disappoint-
ment Of her hopes, but admires the
business of character in him which
leaves her religiously free"
He has no religion, them said the
priest.
Practically none," she replied. Ills
mother, understand, Is a recent con-
vert among the Unitarians. My i'm
preston is that he was brought up
without religious influences of any
sort"
Mrs. Long paused reflectively.
Il believe" she said, after moment,
"he is willing to do what is required
of him to secure dispensation."
Father Terry sat looking out the
window, apparently lost in profound
thought. For moment neither spoke.
"Oh!" cried Mrs. Long passionately,
the helplessness of mothers! Blinded
by youth and inexperience, she is do
ing this thing-and I can't save her
from it-God send her children yet-if
He does-this difference-the mother
fghting-all alone-with an unsympa-
thetic father-will make it so hard for
her-so bitter-why can't I forbid
herr" she exclaimed suddenly after
all, she is my child
The priest put up his hand swiftly.
mo, Mrs. Long; don't do that; you
will be asking her to choose between
you. And it is too late. To young
girl of strong emotions command
will simply force an unfortunate, an
unhappy, a useless issue. Then, in
certain sense, it Is unfair. Her heart
is engaged and Evelyn is girl of
deep feeling. She knows him to be
otherwise good man-worthy of Der.
She will not give him up. You would
be fighting her youth and her heart
both strong forces. In an issue like
that the mother loses and there is
break, perhaps-at least for time.
Incalculable harm is then done, as the
home influence is weakened. Invaria-
bly, there is a certain resentfulness TO-
ward you on the part of the husband.
No, Mrs. Long," continued the priest
kindly, 'let us not make a mistake.
Persuade her all you can-let her see
your heart and your feelings-your re-
gret-your worry, but don't command
her In this. Let us both pray rather
pray fervently-that God will permit
her to see it as we do"
Meanwhile preparations for the wed
ding crept on apace in Mrs. Longs
little household, punctuated not infre-
quently with certain long, pulsating
conversations between mother and
daughter as they sat, walked or work
ed together-conversations which got
nowhere and accomplished little;
patient admissions, sad asides, a GER
tain weary usefulness on the part of
the mother; eager, confident argu-
ment, vivid hopefulness, an affection
ate distress at her mothers want Of
reasonableness from the daughter.
Convince me If you can, but I am
not yet convinced" was the unspoken
attitude of the one; 81 have all the
arguments, but you will not be per-
suaded," the underlying thought of
the other.
1T is true, mother dear, that David
Campbell married a non-Cath0lic girl,
as you say, and the marriage has been
unhappy. That is so different. Surely
you see that it is one thing for
Catholic man to marry non-Catholic
girl, but for Catholic girl to marry
a non-Catholic man is quite another.
You must see that there is a serious
saving difference. A family Is always
what the mother is, and David Camp
BELLS children are what their mother
is-a Protestant. Were your son,
I would tremble before such risk
as David Campbell took in his mar
riage; but am your daughter-an
affectionate one, hope" she inter-
rupted, laying her fresh young cheek
against the mothers saddened one.
What risk do I take?
Dear Evelyn, 1t is not altogether
the risk; I admit there liz some truth
in what you say. AS long as the
mothers faith holds, the risk is slight.
But husband who it what he should
be-all In all to his wife-an influence
above everything surely there JIG a
strain on the wife's beliefs and re-
ligious principles in that daily, close,
constant contact with a human force
that holds all these things as moth
ing"
you don't mean" cried the daugh-
ter, Indignantly, that you actually
fear for my faith?''
Mrs. Long sat silent before her
daughters flashing eyes, secretly ex-
ultant, too, at the outburst.
Il don't speak at all" she said, "of