The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1913-08-09

Dora" he began, you really could
not have meant what you said last
night. I know that you did not. Per-
haps I was too harsh, and angered
you; but now you have had time to
think, to reflect" He drew his chair
nearer to hers. Dora, have come
to ask you to marry me-"
II did mean what I said, Austin,
and"
Nonsense! nonsense, Dora! with
a black froWn. "Only last night
asked my father if he would object
to my marrying you as Catholic.
never saw him so angry before"
Austin he Numbered, in a terri
BILE voice, marry Dora Hunter if you
will. She is handsome girl, and not
a stupid one; she is fairly well edu-
Gated. Money will help to finish her
education and will make her a shin
ing light in society Marry her, boy,
l say; she is worthy of you-but not
as Catholic! will have her for my
daughter only on condition that she
renounce Romanism.' He is a trife
bigoted, know, dear; and he would
cut me off without a cent should
make you my wife as Catholic.
You would not care to marry poor
MANI"
Austin her soft eyes met his, Il
would live on crust to see you a
Catholic"
He lost patience.
"But l will never be one"
"Then we need not prolong this
conversation; all is over between u.s."
Afterwards she wondered where
she got the strength to say these
words that meant so much to both.
Dora you are mad. Do you mean
that you will not become my wife?"
Il had hoped, Austin, to bring you
to the Light, to the Catholic Church
by becoming your wife,
"Then you do not love me, but only
wished to convert me by taking my
name"
Austin" with reproach in her voice
and eyes, you know that love you.
1t is because love you that I hoped
to convert you I do love you, Aus
tin"
IF you did, youa would not allow
religion to interfere in our marriage.
After my fathers death, you may be-
come Catholic again if you wish.
Believe as you will, but outwardly be
Protestant until such time as my
father is gone. l will never interfere
with your belief; serve God as you
+, choose. But l will never be Cath
olic.'
''He that shall deny Me before men,
will also deny him before My Fa-
ther who is in heaven" she quoted
with feeling. mot even for you, Aus
tin, will l leave the Catholic Church.
know that the Catholic Church is the
pillar and ground of truth; if aban.
don my faith, must give up my soul. y
"You have never loved me, Dora
else you would make the sacrifice for
me. 1 must say goodbye. I shall not
see you again; all is over between us
suppose"
His words of farewell sounded fan
away.
He was trembling with rage and dis
appointment; she was sobbing with
} grief All, it was hard, hard strug
gle to give him up! to look forward
to the long, long years of life withou
} the man she loved! Must she drive
him from her! Must she tear the cul
of happiness from her lips!
Austin took up his hat, and withou
word more, left her. He glanced
back as he walked down the littl
street. She stood at the open win
dow. Her head was bent, her hand
were clasped as in pain, and her Sigh
} frame was shaking with sobs.
/ "How stubborn she isl" he reflected
r "Ah, well, few weeks will bring he
2 to her senses. By Jove, | admir-
;, her the more for her constancy. Sh
. is woman worth the winning. Why
t a marriage with me would rescue he
q from her present life of drudgery
would give her the much desired OF
portunity to perfect her education
q would, in fine, make her social stal
r Cad, she's beauty, too; even no7
/ when she's only bud; what will sh
s be in a year or two hence! But lea7
n ing her beauty, her wit, her wonde
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