The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1913-01-18

IOS-rluuen manufacturing city. so, by
dint of extra pinching and privation
she had collected the price of her jour-
ney to Ireland, little hoard which
she kept safely slowed away in her
attic at the top of the house.
Making as much haste as possible,
Nora pressed on. 1t was the eve of
the first Friday. She would take her
very simple evening meal, and go
to the neighboring church of st.
Francis Xavier, where on the eve of
every first Friday she made the Holy
Hour. This act of loving service she
never omitted. And always she found
that she came from it refreshed in
mind and heart, strengthened to take
up the burdens of the coming days,
and face their difficulties. Tonight
her Holy Hour would be a glad
thanksgiving for the joy that lay be-
fore her. For on Saturday she would
set out for her home over the sea.
Suddenly she became aware of
some one standing by lamp-post she
was approaching, and looking search
ingly at her. 1t was girl with a some
what hard face, mad sharp, rather bold
eyes. Cheap fnery and tawdriness
were the keynotes of her ill-kept
dress and headgear.
Il say" she accosted Nora, in high
pitched, real Cockney tones, could
year give me something to eat an
drink? I amt 'ad nothink this ere
blessed day."
Nora stopped. An involuntary re-
pugnance, for which she Immediately
blamed herself, kept her silent for a
few seconds.
ooh, WE'LL" resumed the other, eff
yer 'aven't the cart to help pore
girl, l can help myself The rivers
there"
Stop" cried Nora, putting her
hand on the torn jacket sleeve. 81
didn't mean not to help you. I've no
money to spare. I'm only a factory
hand. But if you come with me I'll
give you something to eat and drink"
She led the way to her little attic,
shivering inwardly at the sinister sug
gestion of the river. Too we'll she
knew what that meant. Every month,
every week, it yielded up it's tribute of
those who had sought refuge from mis-
cry in its dark depths.
''Now," she said, when she had
placed her own frugal supper before
her strange guest, will you tell me
something about yourself, so that
may see if can help you,"
The girl began a voluable account of
| hnTs ho no To
Manchester from her home in the
country, seeking employment. She
had been parlor-maid in family, and
had been dismissed on unjust suspi-
cions; had failed to get another place
and had made up her mind to end
all by drowning herself.
ooh, don't say such wicked thing"
said Nora. "You know we'll how that
would offend God"
"Gawd?" repeated the other with a
short laugh. 'You don't suppose He'd
trouble much about the likes O. me, do
you?"
God loves you, more than ever you
can understand" said Nora, simply
and earnestly. "But now will you take
|
in the country? Manchester is no
place for you. Get out of it as quick
as ever you can"
Cant replied the girl sulkily, Got
no money. An my homes long way
hoff, right down in Kent"
Nora felt staggered. There was GER
tainly no means of getting the girl to
such distance. Oh, what was to be
done. She dare not let this girl go
from her tonight, hopeless and penni-
less, with that black-f1owing river near
at hand. An idea sprang suddenly in
to being. 1t solved the problem, but
it struck chill at her very heart. She
covered her face with her hat, while
the girl watched her curiously. Could
she do it? Could she give up her
cherished, long-planned joy for the
sake of this unknown girl? No, for
her sake, she could not But for His
sake, for the love of Him who had
sent this wandering sheep across her
path she could and would.
She stood up, and going to the box
that held her little store, opened it,
and took out the money.
Emma" she said to the girl, who
amongst other things had informed
her that her name was Emma Willis,
eff you get the money to take you to
your own place, will you promise me
to leave Manchester tomorrow for
your homer"
81 should think so. Just give me
the chance, an see if don't"
well, here's enough to get you
there"
ooh, say! Well, you are trump,
no mistake"
"And you promise to return home
tomorrow"
81 promise You can take my word
for it. I'll be hoff by the first train"
With a torrent of protestations of
gratitude the girl took her leave. The
next few days were days of trial for
Nora. Apart from her own disappoint,
ment, there was that of her mother
which she felt even more keenly
Well, it was all part of that even.
ing's sacrifice. She faced it gener
ously and threw her self anew into the
daily toll of the factory.
Nora" said the forewoman, about
fortnight later, st want this order
to be taken to Longman's. Would you
mind going there after hours9"