The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1916-12-23

possible chance that his man had over
looked the feeding of Mary Bells
dogs, but because it was Mary Bell
who asked it, without word he put
OH his heavy things and went to the
sheds.
Then to my CONSERVATION Mary
went to each door, locked it and
placed the keys in her belt.
What in the world are you doing,
Mary?" | asked almost sternly.
You will see,'' she answered
through dry lips. and l saw that there
were red splashes of excitement on
each cheek Her hand shook as she
took mine and led me to the window
by the door and waited. There was
great noise and confusion going on
around. No one paid the slightest at
tention to us. Presently Harrison
came back, and tried the door.
open the door, Mary, he said, see
ing her at the window. He was used
to her tricks.
But Mary made no movement to-
ward the door.
Hurry up, Mary, you must think
that it is warm out here!"
Mary only laughed little hysteric-
ally and threw back her head.
This is what you call a lockout"
she called. The hand in mine shook,
and the fingers were cold.
Harrison stood there, shifting from
one foot to the other and swinging his
hands to keep warm. He didn't know
whether to laugh or be angry. Here
he was locked out of his own house
on his own birthday, and by that will
full young vixen that he loved. He
called and he pleaded and shook the
door-knob, his good humor gradually
disappearing as he saw that Mary
really and truly did not mean to let
him into his own house. His fine face
darkened with indignation. | could
see that the man was thoroughly
angry now.
Nary" said J." you'd better let
him in. He's getting perfectly furi-
Gus"
That's what want him to be-,
said Mary, with nervous little laugh
Then raising her voice she called out
I want you to go down to my house!
Father Summers will keep you warm.
And ask him if someone left note
for you there!'
| could see the irresolution in Har-
G h rr1n ~ Ill h.
windows to catch sight of someone
who might come down and let him in.
Then his pride prevailed. He gave
Mary queer, angry look, took one
more glance at the glow in his great
room, where the jewellers were having
a hilarious time, not missing their
host. Then he turned away and went
to harness his dogs.
| was thoroughly angry myself
Such grand man to be made a fool
of by the caprice of girl" | thought.
| had q great desire to rush out and
comfort Harrison myself, but-Mary
held the keys.
Through the curtain Mary watched
the dogs dash around the side Of the
house and out into the street. There
was hot anger in the parting glance
Harrison gave toward the window.
looked at Mary, and the smile that
she had SO bravely upheld had van
ished; she hadn't vestige of color in
her face. She leaned heavily upon
me, and led her away to Hates room.
She threw herself across Hates bed,
and the great sobs that welled up she
muffled in the pillows.
I cannot understand you, Mary
If it affects you so, why on earth. did
you do it?' But she only sobbed the
more, and answered me not at all.
We did not return to the party, but
later | found what had happened to
Harrison Mugford.
! When he left the house, he went
down to Mary's father, and old man
Summers was greatly surprised to see
him.
What you doing so far away from
your own celebration" asked he.
Mary locked me out of my own
house," said Harrison in an even tone.
Mary locked You OUT" exclaimed