The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1914-03-21

| way, anu, she l6lL IL 1uSLluCLlN0ly, u
ask her father for her hand.
Perfect confidence had always exist
ed between her and her mother, but
the subject of Kelvin was one on which
she felt it impossible to speak. Her
parents, indeed, had almost come to
the conclusion that Jeanne had no
feelings for O'Brien beyond those of
friendship, though both of them would
have liked the match, they had agreed
to leave her perfect freedom in the
choice of future husband. Kelvin
was leaving in few days for South
America, where he had accepted a
three years engagement, and it must
be Jeanne's duty to give him her an
swer.
"Jeanne!" the sweet, musical voice
came from the drawing-room, where
Madame Conway stood at the open
French window, a letter in her hand.
Jeanne looked up, and seeing her
mother awaiting her, she crossed the
lawn, and went up to the house. yes,
maman," she said brightly; "any
news?"
''Mr. O'Brien writes to say he will
only have couple of hours here to-
morrow, and he hopes he may have
the pleasure of seeing you. He is
obliged to return to Paris by the six
o'clock train. Jeanne, tell me"
She broke off abruptly. What do
you mean to say to him?'
isn't the question a little prema-
ture, maman?" Jeanne said, avoiding
her mothers keen scrutiny You
know, you have really no reason for
believing Mr.. O'Brien wishes to ask
me to be his wife"
I'm my opinion, we have every rea-
son, petite, but l shall not worry you
about it. You will see him yourself
tomorrow; only-be kind to him"
| Jeanne smiled. II am going to visit
Madame Blanc tomorrow" she remark
ed
But you will be back for tea,
cherie?" Madame Conway looked at
her interrogatively.
"Who knows? Madame Blanc is so
delightful it is a pleasure to stay
LuO1C' DuC uO. du OuAy L0dS1uS
you For the sake of old times, it is
my duty to meet Mr.. O'Brien."
HE would think it strange if you
| were away" was the reply, in a re-
lieved tone of voice. "But come,
Mignonne, tea is ready" and mo-
ment later the question of love, court
ship and marriage had been put aside,
as Mr. Conway joined his wife and
daughter, and discussed other topic
over the pretty little tea-table.
=
Jeanne's visit to Madame Blanc was
soon over. She was too engrossed
with the thought of Kelvin to stay long
in. the pretty little town where her
friend lived, six miles from Mermont
The walk home was always a pleasant
one, but the way through the woods
was still more charming, and, what
was more to the point on this par
ticular occasion, much quicker With
light heart, Jeanne set off, and the
dusty road was soon far behind her.
"Qu' il est bon, lie bon Dieu!" she
murmured to herself, as she tripped
merrily along by the side of the
stream, unconsciously echoing the
words of Blessed Mere Julie. Her life
had always been full of happiness, and
now Kelvin had come to complete it..
| He was clever, handsome, manly, de-
vout Catholic. What more could the
most exacting woman want? 1t was
quite sufficient to satisfy Jeanne.
Her path through the woods was a
lonely one, passing only one human
habitation, the lowroofed cottage of
old Henri, who had lived there for
many years, and who acted as game
keeper for the owner of the land
Jeanne had warm corner in her
heart for him, but he was also a
source of sorrow to her. For over
twenty years Henri had never been
near church he was now seventy,
and his health at the best of times
was not good. In vain had the Cure
pleaded with him. In vain, so it
seemed, were the prayers offered him
by the people of Mennonite re-
NAMED hard and untouched.
! IL dAJOAO COu1u 0OlL0u LuC VIZ
layers said, it was surely Mile. Jeanne.
His GOODNESS seemed to fade away
when she tearfully begged him to
make his peace with God He would
look uneasy, and turn the converse
ton, but Jeanne knew that her words
had. left an impression, which she
hoped and prayed would deepen into
something more.
Henri" she cried out, as she ap-
preached the cottage, "how are you
today?" The old man loved his gar
den, and cultivated it with commenda-
BILE care, but today there was no sign
of him, and Jeanne tapped at the door.
The afternoon was hot, and glass of
Henri's light wine would be more than
welcome.
i To her surprise, there was no an
swer. Opening the door, she looked
in, and her face went white with fear.
On the couch near the whl lay Henri,
gasping for breath. His lips were
tinged with blue, his hands trembling
Jeanne's first thought was one of ter.
ror, but recovering her self-control
she rushed to the cupboard, seized a
bottle of wine, poured some out in a
glass, and raising the old man, pressed
it to his lips. The wine seemed to re
yive him, but inexperienced as she