The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1916-04-22

There is nothing wrong at home /
hope?"
But he knew by her shining eyes
and smiling face, even before she re-
assured him that there was not. She
was oddly constrained in manner, and
hesitated, with difidence new to her,
in stating her errand.
Il can see that it's good news
you've come to tell me-" he urged
gently. What is it, child. another
raise in salary?"
mo, Father" with a radiant smile,
something better than that--if tiff
it really comes true" A hint of a
shadow gathered in her steady young
eyes
Father John looked puzzled
IF it really comes true? It's only
prospective news, them"
Yes, Father, it's this; we, seven
of us over at the MILL" she hesitated
again, looking at him appealingly.
Yes, Jennie?" he encouraged
I'VE want to go to Kingsford, Fa-
Their, all of us-to stay" she finished
with rush.
Father John was more puzzled than
ever.
"Kingsford, Jennie? What do you,
seven of you, want to go to Kings
ford for?"
''To stay, to live there, to be nuns,
Father. It's where-Our Lady's Mes
sage comes from, and we love. it and
we want to go thereto stay"
Father John was too amazed to
speak There had been a very few
vocations to the religious life in the
town, and now here all at once were
seven, it seemed. 1t was marvellous
and Our Lady's Message
will you write to the Snperioress
for us, Father" Jennie was saying.
''The girls wanted me to ask you. We
don't know what to say"
There, was a garden bench behind
Father John and rather suddenly he
sat down upon it, motioning Jennie
to another close by. He did not look
at her because there was a mist in
his eyes and he could not have seen
NSIy way.
"Seven of you,' he murmured, "sev.
en- of my girls, my good little girls
But when he looked up at Jane,
there was CONSERVATION on his face.
What will Mr.. Carslake say to us,
Jennie?"
Jennie laughed.
Il don't know, Father" she said,
but evidently she was not much afraid
Of the proprietor of the mill.
Even though he STAY me, Jennie, ]
will write to the Mother Superior and
tell her about my brave, good girls
who want to join her little band. Do
not be anxious, my child. Trust in
the good God, and if it is for the best
you will all be accepted"
And he blessed her and sent her
away 'radiantly happy.
During the next few days, Father
John had a talk with the six other
| girls and then the momentous letter
was written and sent on it's way II
told the proud's pastors simple story
| of the seven young girls of his flock
who had become enamored of poverty
chastity and obedience for the Mas
ter's sake. All their short humble lives
he had known them, he wrote, anC
known naught but good. It was moi
the habit that allured them, he as
| sured the Reverend Mother, nor YET
the hope of escaping hard work. They
were prepared to labor, and to labor
arduously in the vineyard, whatever
it's duties might be. HeNasked hel
| acceptance of them if, after due trial
they were found fitted for the life
He praised in glowing terms Oul
Lady's Message, which had been the
instrument in the hands of God in this
good work.
| A cordial, motherly letter came
back in reply. The Mother superior
expressed holy joy that her little
band of workers was to be thus aug
mented. She invited the girls, through
Father John, to come to her as sool
as they could, writing individual let
tiers to each also, letters full of en-
enlargement and helpful advice.
i It was Nora Carslake, Father John!
niece, who broke to her husband thu
news of the seven girls leaving thu
Office. They had been fearful some
/ how, of his reception of it. He was i;
convert, and they thought he nigh
not understand or sympathize will
their choice. To Nora's surprise, Pau
was delighted. She told Father Johl
afterwards that he seemed relieved
and pleased when he found that i
was for a convent life they were t
leave him. He seemed to consider !
a foreshadowing of blessings. He wa
} much touched when the girls went t.
} tell him goodby, and Ito thank him TO
his kindness and consideration to
ward them while in his employ.
Father John and Nora Carslak
went down with them to Kingsford
and their entrance to the novitiat
was arranged most happily.
When Father John returned h
found Jackie waiting for him in tn
garden. There was no doubt of tn
little fellows welcome. The prizes
sat down on the bench beneath thei
favorite tree and took the two littl
hands in his own.
Jackie" he said solemnly, ''you ar
a little missioner. You brought M
the thought to do something that ha
been productive of great good, tina