The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1913-12-27


knew hit something, but 1t proved
to be only the basket which the child
had The poor little thing was nearly
frightened to death, though she es-
capped without scratch. Maggie Bry-
ston she called herself"
'Bryston?" cried Mrs. Clyde sud
denly.
Eyes, they live over on Seventh
Street, near ST. Johns Church"
why, Fred" she exclaimed with
emotion, 81 shouldn't wonder if that
is poor Mrs. Bryston's little one. The
people are in dire straits, and, be-
sides, they have little child that is
sick. Only last Sunday Father Benno
reminded me to think of them. Dear
me! and | have forgotten them entire
ly in my. holiday purchases. Fred,
can't we do something for them to-
night YETI"
Tonight? l intended to see them
in the morning. It's eight o'clock,
dear"
"Oh, but the stores do not close
till ten, you know" she pleaded.
Well replied the doctor, "since
you have promised Father Benno to
help them, we'll do so tonight 1t !
does seem queer after all that should
have come across Mrs Bryston's little
girl this Christmas Eve"
The ponderous bell of st. Johns |
told the ninth hour as Mr.. Bryston
with little Maggie neared home With
heavy heart, he raised the latch of
the gate, and passed along the narrow
boardwalk to the basement-door. He
touched the knob-but hesitated.
What shall we say to mamma, Mag
gie?" "Oh, papa!" cried the little one,
and burst into laugh as she chung
with both hands to his arm Papa
was home again! AS they stepped
into the narrow corridor, they noticed
by the light of the lantern near the
stairway, a man with huge bundle on
his shoulder. 1t was Father Bennos
Janitor. docs Mrs. Bryston live down
here?" he asked as he advanced.
yes" answered Maggie, that's
my mamma"
well, here is something for her.
he said, as he held forth a holly
decked card which read:-For Mrs.
Bryston and family-From the man
in the limousine and his wife. Merry
Christmas They just left this at
the rectory."
"Give it to me-" said Mr.. Bryston;
'Tll take care of it-Thank you very
much"
Meanwhile, Maggie had tripped to
the door of their home. She opened.
but all was quiet. "Pst! Mamma is
sleeping" she said, as she tip-toed
back. Mr.. Bryston turned, and
through the half opened door, he be-
held his good wife on a chair beside
the bed, her head resting on the pill
low beside the angelic countenance of
little Jack. Entering the room, he
quietly approached her. Alice
Alice" he said, touching her gently,
Alice won't you look at me?" AS she
raised her head with a sudden start,
he exclaimed: "Alice-Merry Christ
mas!" Rising to her feet, she passed
her hand over her eyes in bewildered
manner-and the next moment fell
into his arms George, my lost
George!" were her only words. AS
they stood there in silent embrace,
the stif1ed tones of the penitent hus-
band could be heard as he murmured,
! Never again, my love, never again!"
Maggie, beside herself with Joy,
clapped her little hands in girlish
glee. Even poor Jack, unmindful of
his illness, slipped from his cot and
came tottering to his long-lost father
to welcome him home. The happi-
ness of all was complete, when Mrs
Bryston presently opened the large
parcel and displayed the many gifts:
the new shoes, a dress and jacket
for Maggie, suit for Jack, and bolt
of heavy dress-goods for mamma; and
the little round box with three bright
gold pieces. 1t made Maggie fairly
dance with delight.
1t was yet early on Christmas morn
ing. The first Mass was over, and the
pious attendants had filed out of
church, and left for home. Before the
little crib two figures we're seen linger-
ing in silent meditation
maggie, stay here like good girl
and pray for papa until he comes back,
won't your"
Il will, papa"
A moment later George Bryston
knelt at the tribunal of Mercy to seek
pardon from above. And when after
some time he returned to his little
angel kneeling before the crib, there
was depicted on his countenance that
peace of which the angels sang when
first the Prince of Peace appeared in
the midst of sinful men.
B. S. o. F. M, in the franciscan Herald.