The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1913-06-21


ton.
"All about you, yes, the visitor an
swered frankly. And though didn't
approve at first, must confess, have
come round. Jack is very dear to
me, and since there is only one wife
in all the world for him, as he says
| want to see him happy. So con-
cluded to accept your fathers invita-
ton to come out and -
'Papa's invitation!" stammered
Iris, the professors thunders as re-
echoed by her mother still ringing in
her ears; "oh, there must be some
mistake
None at ALL answered Father
Hugh, pleasantly. Il have his letter
in my pocket And he drew out an
envelope whose Grabbed chirography
was unmistakable. 80 just tell him,
if you please, l am here at his re-
quest"
And, with sudden joyful light
breaking in upon her bewilderment,
Iris darted off to the study where her
father sat, a grim stole philosopher
in the fading sunlight For it had
been hard day on the professor; the
skies of Parnassus had been heavy
with gloom, and the old Greek,
usually Tapped in delicious domestic
calm, had found the atmosphere both
depressing and irritating.
Vainly he strove to lose himself in
the pages of the Bulletin" even the
brillient pen of "Thucydides" seemed
to flash with antagonistic light as it
pierced the old pagan darkness and
stormed the Comparative Philoso-
phies," tottering before the conquer
ing Cross; and the professor returned
to his personal grievance with a new
rancor
1t was all so absurd, so unneces-
sary; he would never yield to such
foolish whims, such unfilial defiance.
There was no reason why Iris should
not be married by a Mr.. Martin, a
man of liberal views, in the college
chapel. But to have priest-a Ro-
mish priest-who was scarcely al
lowed to think mumbling bad Latin
here in his very house, marrying his
daughter-he would have none of it.
And the professor pressed his lips
together in an ugly, stubborn line,
and, leaning back in his chair, reso-
lutely shut his eyes to the sweet, sad
vision of pale young man, with
shadowy eyes, that had been haunting
him appealingly all day, for the
fathers heart was traitor TO his head,
struggle as he might
Calling stole philosophy to his aid,
the professor had just vowed to him.
self that all the legions of Rome
could not stir him from his stand,
when there came soft flutter
through the doorway, and, with low,
glad cry, Iris threw herself into his
arms.
ooh, papa, dearest, sweetest, best
papa, how good of you, how good of
you! Oh, l knew that you loved me
too well to break my heart. What
wretched, wretched day it has been,
for mamma said you would never give
in, and now-now, oh, my own darling,
precious papa'-each adjective pune
tuated by a rapturous kiss-"you have
made me the happiest girl in all the
whole world
"Eh-what-wh what! What do you
mean, child?" gasped the bewildered
professor.
ooh, you need not pretend any
more" cooed Iris, with soft little
laugh; you've given up to us, |
know, you dear, darling. old papa.
You sent for him-to talk things
over"
"Sent for him!" exclaimed the pro-
lessor desperately, who-where-
what are you talking about, child?"
'Why, Jacks Uncle Hugh, of
course" laughed Iris happily, as, all
smiles and bushes, she turned to the
doorway; you sent for him, and here
he is-Father Devon, papa"
Father Devon!" roared the profess
sor, starting to his feet and staring in
bewilderment at the tall, dignifed
stranger in unmistakable Romish garb
who advanced to meet him.
YES" was the courteous reply
Father Hugh Devon, who is most
happy to accept the very cordial invi-
tation to visit you sent to me through
DR.. Vance, of the Bulletin
Eth, what! Then you are 'Thucy-
dides'?" cried the professor, fairly
staggering back with the shock.
'Thucydides' Romish priest!"
But none the worse Greek for it,
trust" said Father Hugh, with the
mellow laugh that had disarmed
many a foeman. "As you say, we're
kindred spirits, and should be friends.
] I see you have my last article here, .
glancing at the Bulletin which had
dropped from the professors nerve
less hand. 81 have brought you an
old manuscript to which it refers, and
which in your letter today you ex-
pressed wish to see. I unearthed it
in an old monastery on Mount Athos
several years ago. The authorship
consider doubtful. / would like your
opinion on it," and the speaker drew
a roll of mouldy parchment from his
pocket. It was the final stroke. Old
Zeus dropped his thunderbolts and
surrendered Internationally. Five
minutes later priest and pagan were
bending together over the old Greek
manuscript, and Iris fitted back in
happy bewilderment to tell hel
mother that Father Devon held the
field, and the tug of war" was over