The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1913-04-26


been laid at the feet of Him who has
said, ASK in My name and you shall
receive"
Mrs. Murray had dropped on her
knees and was tenderly stroking the
small white hand that lay on the COW
erlet. She seemed utterly oblivious of
everything except the life so swiftly
slipping away. With fervent prayer
to the Immaculate Heart of Mary that
she through her boundless sympathy
for suffering motherhood might give
the strength necessary for even this
mighty sacrifice if God so willed it,
the priest passed from the room.
Where is Mr.. Murray" he asked
the nurse stationed outside the door
I'm the library, | think. Shall I
call him?"
mo, thank you, l can find him."
said the priest
The night wore slowly away. From
time to time, the nurse stole in to
take the child's temperature or to adj
just the ice at her head. Calmly the
mother faced the situation, going over
each detail of her mournful married
life. Looking at the. crucifx that hung
above the bed, she realized that she
faced the supreme moment of her life.
Calmly, distinctly, above the labored
breathing of the child came the de-
mand of the Crucified Christ.
Grace triumphed at last. Burying
her face in her hand, she prayed, 20
God, Thy will be done. If my dar-
ling's death can reach Edwards heart
and bring him back to your love and
mercy, I give her to you. Give me
the strength to bear this Thy Cross"
With the freedom of an old friend
Father O'Brien, after leaving the sick
room passed down the stairway and
into the east wing where the library
was situated. He knocked twice at
the door and, receiving no response,
pushed it open A fire blazing in the
the we'll filled book cases. A shaded
lamp on the table threw into prom
inence the great arm chair drawn be-
fore the fireplace in which crouched
the figure of man. He was bending
forward with his face buried in his
hands while an occasional tremor
shook the bent shoulders. The whole
attitude bespoke despair. Father
O'Brien crossed the room quickly and
laid his hand on the quivering Shout
der. At the touch the man sprang to
his feet. His face despite years of
dissipation still bore traces of the
characteristics that made him favor
tie among men. Haggard lines deep
chiseled marred the fine face, but the
eyes were clear and the head was
raised with the old boyish defiance.
Murray" said the priest, ct am
sorry, deeply grieved for you"
Don't" said the man, making no
attempt to take the outstretched hand.
Seeing the grieved look that crossed
the face of the priest, he said,
Father, am not worthy to touch
the hand of decent man tonight. In
Gods sight l am murderer. Why
He did not take me and spare the
child l cannot see."
Whatever the pastor had intended
to say was instantly forgotten, as with
movement of infinite tenderness he
pushed the trembling man back into
his chair and pulled up one for him.
self. Sitting down he placed his hand
upon the others knee
Murray, are you ready to meet
your Judge face to face and render
an account of your stewardship" he
asked in an accusing tone.
The man in the chair started slight
, ly, this being an aspect of the matter
that had not occurred to him before.
IF the child dies it will kill Kath-
crime. And God knows have caused
| her nothing but sorrow" he said.
, Throwing off the restraining hand
| he sprang to his feet and began ex-
citedly pacing the room.
do you see that?" he said point
, ing with an unsteady finger to a tray
containing dainty lunch, untouched,
that had been placed on the library
: table. "She prepared that with her
, own hand not an hour ago because
they told her / had eaten nothing
, since morning. At the side Of her
, dying child she could think of me-
, The man dropped into chair and
! covered his face with his hands. His
, friend watched him in silence for a
time, then in slow measured tones
told him the story of his wife's long
years of patient supplication at the
: throne of mercy for his salvation.
, Murray" concluded the priest,
every hour of worry, every heartache
that you have caused your wife has
, been laid at the feet of her Crucified
Saviour in reparation for your sins
, and the scandal your actions were
giving"
] There was silence for time while
strong man fought his battle. At
J last legions of He'll went down van
quished before the power of a WON
ans love aided by grace.
i Quietly, deliberately, the man arose,
crossed the room and dropping on his
knees at the side of the priest MUIR
, INJURED the old familiar words of his
boyhood, Father, bless me for / have
} sinned."
, AS the hours slipped away the fee
BILE pulse became stronger, the child
t moved and as the clock struck three.
/ opened her eyes Another hour and