The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1915-03-06

dence for your minister. Idolators--"
Cynthia"
Never mind" smiled the Bishop
1--WE are often called that. / didn't
know Of this leasing. Miss Minters
My secretary has good Judgment in
such things, and allow him to follow
| it. However the first OF the month
report would have enlightened me. II
see that you can not reconcile yourself
to the fact that |. priest, was a
friend of your fathers. You think he
would wish me to veto the lease?"
The older woman nodded her head
IF / thought he did, should do.
so. Even if, as you say, he disliked
Everything Catholic, don't you think,
since the Episcopal Church has ceased
worshipping in Shelbyyille, your
father would have been too unseIfish
to wish to have untenanted rectory
evidently suitable for any denomina-
tion?"
Father was not selfish, but he
hated the Catholic Church"
| The Bishop ceased to smile. "Your
father, must tell you, hated no fell
low-creature, and opposed no denomi-
nation of Christians, least of all
Catholics. 1t is too bad that this quail
| ity is not to be found in his daughter"
Miss Winters sat stunned. Her sis.
ter listened in wide-eyed amazement
| why do you say your father dis
liked everything Catholic?" asked the
l ich ho all
"No," confessed Miss Winters. But
it is the duty of all good Christians
to-dislike idolaters. Father must
have hated them I felt that he did"
The twinkle was again shining in
the Bishops eyes.
He pitied idolaters. So do I. You
think we worship images?"
| Il have heard so all my life
Il wish you would come to my
lstudy,' the Bishop answered.
He showed them into large room
walled on two sides with bookcases
A simple desk, three chairs, some
ferns, and statue of the Sacred
Heart were its furnishings. But on
the desk, among several other framed
photographs, the sisters saw one of
their father.
"Oh!" breathed Priscilla.
The Bishop watched them.
lie was my friend. That reminds
me of him. You would not want me
to destroy it,"
He turned to the statue. On the
pedestal below it dozen roses filled
the room with their fragrance.
"He is my best Friend That re-
minds me of Him. The roses tell
Him and others that / am thinking
of Him. Thislis not idolatry?"
Il ask your fpardon!" Cynthia ex-
tended hand which shook nervously.
Il wish that you would consider my
request unsaid.'
God bless ,you!" the Bishop an
swered. 4 have something else to
show you," he continued. From his
desk he took a tin safety-box. In it
were packages of faded letters.
"This'' (handing the envelope to Miss
Minters) was the last from your
father. found it only yesterday
while searching for something else. ]
will ask you to read it,
The woman gazed with tear-filled
eyes on the familiar writing. After
a moment she read as follows:
Friend of my Youth-This may, per.
haps, be a line of farewell The doc
tors have said the final word | am
to die soon -. tonight - tomorrow?
Thank God, Father Joe, | am not
afraid to die! i do not smean to say
that 1 have done all might have
accomplished. I can say only that |
, have made an honest effort to do my
best. We have not fought over the
Question of religion, thank God! If
Imy faith had wavered,. Catholicism
would have been my refuge. On one
lpoint We have always agreed, you re.
member-as to the efficacy of prayer
for the dead. When | am gone do not
!, forget me. And If at any time, Father
I. Joe, you can make convert of an
!, Episcopalian. do so. would like to
know that every man followed faith.
fully the light vouchsafed to him.
Goods blessing be yours, dear friend!
4 Until we meet again,
JOHN o. M.
Cynthia handed the letter to her
, sister.
Thank you!" she said to the
Bishop, then sank into the desk chair,
/, and, with her head in her hands wept
Overwhelmingly.
Bishop Lawson went to the door.
Turning, he said: Il will leave you
now for while. You will have time
/. to re-read your dear fathers letter
My sister-she will soon be here
lunches with me today and | shall
: make arrangements for two other
places. I would like very much to
have the daughters of John Winters
at my table
Softly he closed thq door.
-Morp R0nuodD In Tho Apo M1yi9.