The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1915-04-10
Continued from page CD
AN EASTER LILY.

Inc picture is 1Or sale, ne Sald,
controlling his emotion.
Il am so glad" said Mrs. Norwood;
"but will you tell me il it is painted
from model?"
Gerald hesitated. The picture had
done what all Father Curran's efforts
and inquiries had failed to accomplish.
Elaine had told him on the day he
heard from Mrs. Archer her strange
story, that if her parents were not
found before another Easter daWned
he might lead her to the altar soon
afterward Then the thought came:
why do you reveal what need never
be knoWn?" Suddenly the remem-
brance of Mrs. Archer's action re-
CURED to him. He had thought her
weak and contempt mingled with his
pity. And here he was contemplating
the same thing, and for the same
motive-a selfish love.
Eyes, madam" he answered, "the
model is my betrothed.'
Indeed! 1t is strange, perhaps,
but think she must resemble my
daughter. 1t was the likeness that
first drew my attention to the picture"
Il noticed the resemblance, too"
said Gerald, and Miss Norwood
blushed.
Il suppose your betrothed resides in
the city," continued his interrogater.
mo madam, she lives in Brier Hill,
some miles distant. Her name is
Elaine Archer"
A change passed over Mrs. Nor
woods face. Pale and trembling, she
sank into chair. Her husband, who
had been listening with an amused
smile to her questions, turned quickly,
"Elaine-Elaine Archer! Is it, can
it be our Elaine whom we thought
dead? Can that woman have deceived
us?"
Mrs. Norwood was greatly agitated
II always thought her conduct
strange" she went on, "and she disap-
peared so mysteriously. Tell me, sir;
do you know aught of this Elaine's
past life?"
81 know, and have known since you
entered my studio, that Elaine is your
daughter. A year ago Mrs. Archer
confessed her duplicity, and during
that time she has had an efficient per
son searching for you.'
1t was over-''the cruel pang oil
parting" One day about two weeks
later, Mrs. Archer and Gerald sat to
| gether in the little parlor where he
had painted can Easter Lily
81 knew how it would be" said he
sadly, "but the separation came sooner
than 1 expected. Now the ocean rolls
/ between us, and am in honor bound
neither to see her nor write to her fol
three long years.
at is hard, Gerald" said Mrs
Archer sympatheticalIy, "but take
courage. Elaine will never cease tt
love you. Devote your time to art
and don't indulge in useless repining
Strive every day to become more
worthy of her. My own life seems
barren, too" and the tears rolled
down her pale cheeks.
"Your words give me hope" sale
Gerald. 1T shall be my earnest en-
deavor to make myself more worthy
of her."
81 4
Two years rolled away. Gerald hat
won marked recognition in the worle
of art. He had become a social favor
lite as well, and many bright eyes
sparkled and fair faces were lighted
with smiles at his approach. But fol
him there was only one face, and il
haunted his dreams and filled his wax
ing hours with longing.
Through Mrs. Archer he sometimes
heard of Elaine, but she was faithful
to the promise made her parents, ant
no message ever cheered his lonely
heart.
In the meantime great surprise
was in store for Mr.. and Mrs. Nor
wood. From the first moments o.
their meeting, Ediths love for hel
neWIy-found sister had been remark
able. Elaine's character was revela
ton of all that was good and beautiful
Such nobility of soul, such gentleness
forbearance and piety were gifts truly
deserving of emulation. After pro
found thought, followed by earnes
prayer, Edith accepted the same faitf
that had brought her sister such con
ISOLATION in all her trials. If it was
another disappointment her parents
bore it well, and when, on her return
to her native land, she asked their per
mission to retire from the world, and
join those holy women who wear "the
livery of heaven" they did not refuse
Elaine babe the sister she had grown
20 love so we'll tender adieu, and
while her tears fell, in her heart she
believed that she had chosen the bet
ter part"
The months glided apace, for "time
knows not the weight of sleep or wear
iness,' and the third Easter-tide
lighted the world.
The glorious day was drawing to {
close. The crimson brightness of the
dying sun shone through the window
and fell on "An Easter Lily" family
tinging the classic folds of the snowy
gown.
Elaine stood, her eyes looking be
yond the mountainous vista, beyond
the purple clouds lined with the ros
cate glow of sunset, as if she fair
would read what lay beyond. Lost In
contemplation, she heard no football
1 until her fathers voice aroused he1
from her reverie. She turned quickly