The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1915-10-30

nothing beyond a few conventional
words OF welcome, but had he been
her own child. returned after a long
absence, she could not have seemed
more happy. 81. I
But Father Dolan forgot her when
he turned to speak to Mr.. Lee. 1t was
two months since he had seen him ex-
cept for an occasional distant glimpse
in the church; and he was startled by
the change these few weeks had made
lin him. He had grown thinner and
less fiorid. and in some indescribable
WAY had aged terribly His seventy
six years, once carried lightly, now
bore down upon him with crushing
force. 5.s
After the first greetings had been
exchanged, Mrs. Lee was almost 81
lent while the two men talked Of one
commonplace and another: the wealth
er, the crops, and some repairs being
made in the church, and bravely
voiced very definite predictions as to
the result Of a coming city election.
ALI the time, however, it was but too
evident that Mr.. Lee was eager to see
Father Dolan alone. So numerous
we're the. covert signs he made, and
SO palpable his restlessness and lack
of interest in the topics under discus
sion that the priest feared Mrs. Lee
would suspect that something was
afoot between them. He, too, was be-
ginning to wonder how she was to be
lgot out of the way after she had gently
said she was not tired, when, with a
tactlessness born Of desperation, Mr..
Lee b1untly suggested that she ought
| to rest. A moment later, In all limo
lcence, Father Dolan asked Mr.. Lee if
he had ever bought set Of engrav-
lings, which he had spoken Of getting
/ from certain English firm, and beam
ing with satisfaction the old man rose
Instantly. saying that he had them in
his room and would be delighted to
show them.
On the stairs he talked volubly and
loudly about them; after the top was
Preached they were forgotten. He led
the way to his room and closed the
door, and, when he spoke again, it
was hardly above a whisper.
Il am glad you came. 1t was very
kind. knew I could count on you.
We must not let my wife suspect any
thing, but-I'm sick, Father. The doc
tor says 7 have organic heart trouble
4 opd WOW rlyoy, req 90 aov M oy,a ant TIC
says that must not go to church any
more the exertion is too great. I'd
| like to make my confession now,
Father, if you will hear me, and will
you bring me the Holy Communion
Esometimes? You could manage so
THAT Mary would suspect nothing,
couldnt you? I've tried to think of a
lplan, and can't. Ever since began to
feel so badly, we've had great deal
of abominable weather-Tve made it
my excuse for not going to church.
Why, IT hasn't been fit even for her
to go, well as she isl" @
/ Eyes, yes, shall manage somehow,
so that she will not be alarmed. Win
tier is coming; it will furnish good
lexcuse for your staying in the house,
land I'll bring you the Blessed Sacra-
lment two or three times a week; but
Mr.. Lee, wouldn't it be better to tell
lher? She is brave, and
mo, no, Father, please don't! |
know best about this. Believe me,
lido. She would be uneasy every mo-
ment of the day, if she knew. And
the worst may never happen, for,
Though may die at any. time, | may
live for several years. The good Lord
lmay take her first. That's what am
hoping and praying. She'll be very
lonely if leave her-I have taken
Icare of her so long. She's little and
lhelpless-not fit to be alone. But,
Father, it may never happen. What
would be the use of telling her and
having the fear always hanging over
lher?" ,
/ "But doesn't she notice that you are
mot yourself?n, the priest asked.
! 9No, to begin with, she is near
Isighted: then, when I feel the pain
coming l slip away, and eat" he
laughed softly-".I eat, or she thinks
do, like a boy. I take everything she
1giyes me and drop into my pockets
Everything that won't make a mess,
fruit and rolls and radishes and cakes
Ian awful assortment! Afterward ]
throw the things out of this window to
the boys next door. They are always
/ hungry ,..
4 After few moments further con.
versation Father Dolan heard Mr..
Lees confession and said good-by.
promising to see Mrs. Lee before he
left the house and tell her tactfully
| that, commencing the following morn
ing, he would bring Mr.. Lee Holy Com.
Continued on page ~