The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1912-08-17

L
known; turned in all her earnings
except dollar or two every week;
and was, in fact, as she had been since
she was twelve years old, the main
support of the family. | well remem-
bered the girl, though I had met her
only once, and that somewhat casual
| ly, about three years before. She was
sixteen at the time, fragile and child
| like in appearance, and with sweet,
shy manner. Contrary to the pro-
visions of the State law, she had al
ready 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 I was
vaguely troubled about the girls fu-
ture. She seemed too frail, too gent
! ly attractive to be thrust forth thus
to battle with the world. I safely en-
rolled her in the Children of Mary,
however; and now and then at my
Mass, all unbidden, seemed to come to
my lips special memento for Kath-
leen Mulcahey. But not still the even
ing of which I 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. Mulcahey. perhaps she
would come to see me?' I added
tentatively.
Indeed, Father, she wouldn't" said
Mrs. Mulcahey, conclusively.
/ pondered moment, then an in
spiration seemed to come to me.
picked up a 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.
Il think that will fetch her." I said,
with confidence which surprised even
myself. And I handed the communi-
cation to my caller.
Mrs. Mulcahey opened her mouth in
mazement-perhaps in protest; but,
fortunately at that instant the bell
rang and another caller was an
nounced.
And, after all, my note did produce
the desired effect. Kathleen Null
cahey came to see me, but did not on
the evening I designated. Had she
come then-well, perhaps I should
never have had this story to tell.
The good old priest paused, while a
look of pain fitted for an instant
across his refined and gentle features.
It was one evening toward the close
of the mission. l had thought of the
girl often, but had almost given up
any hope of seeing her. l was usher
ing one caller out, and just about to
close the hall door when | heard a
light step approaching. In another
moment Kathleen stood in the illumin-
alton from the hall light, and I 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, who
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. l suppose I could not
conceal the surprise and distress
which | felt.
Am l all that changed, Father?''
said the girl, simply. There was a
gentle dignity in her manner
You have been ill, child?"
"A little, Father" she replied-"not
much. l don't have the time
"One should always take time to
keep well,'' said, trife clumsily
suppose, for was somewhat confused.
Kathleen smiled 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 l can only hold out an
other six months, Patsy and Nellie
> will be sixteen-they'r twins-and
old enough to go to work"
And then, as I did not speak, she
explained:
They would put me out of the shop
if they knew, the laws have become
that strict
Have you seen doctor?" l asked
quietly.
Yes, Father-the dispensary doc
tor. He says one lung is all gone, OF
: nearly and the other is pretty bad"
"My poor child" l said. why
/ your mother told me nothing of this.
7 A look of pain tinged with resent
I ment crossed the girls white brow.
, "She doesn't know, Father, and il
she did-well, it's only the pay en-
5 velope' they both seem to care for
{ said Kathleen Mulcahey, a touch Of
bitterness now in her young voice
But, Father" (she evidently wanted
) to put that phase of her life aside)