The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1917-04-05

own little room, fell on her knees be-
fore the Madonna, praying earnestly
for forgiveness and guidance.
That night as she slept the room
seemed to be slowly filed with soft
radiance and the Madonna. coming
down from the wall, stood at her side
with hands outstretched above her
while she repeated softly:
There is no death, the flowers say;
In faith we hide our souls away.
While tcmpests desolate the earth,
And patient walt the promised birth.
The southwind chants, there is no death,
l come and winter Is n breath.
Against his falling walls l set
The snowdrop and the violet.
Glad prophets of the life to bel
A kindred spark abides In thee,
That, like the wind no tether knows.
And yet is comrade to the rose.
The earth thy mother is, her breast
Thy comfort. shield and final rest,
There, sheltered from the storms thou'll
bide
The coming OF thy Eastertide.
1t was morning when Marie awoke
and the air was filed with the chimes
of many bells. The dream was still
vivid in her mind and, involuntarlly
she glanced at the wall where the pic
ture of the Madonna hung. 1t was In
Its place, but she could not escape the
thought that the scene which was so
vivid in her mind had really been en-
acted. The hour for morning serv-
| oh hn fol n
sudden desire to sit once more with
the congregation in the holy silence,
to join in the responses, and to hear
the music OF the familiar songs. For
months she had not entered the church
doors, but her talk with Sister Cecilia
and the vision of the Madonna had
decided her TO try once more the con-
ISOLATION of religion.
When Marie came out upon the
street that bright Easter morning she
found Sister Cecilia already at the
door.
81 came for you" said the sister,
simply.
81 am ready, Sister Cecella," replied
Marie with equal simplicity. 81 had
such n beautiful dream last night, and
| think-yes, know | had already de-
cided-"
"To so to church?'
eyes"
at must have been n good dream,
J indeed"
1T was message from the Madon-
ma. She told me that which made me
understand"
They were walking rapidly toward
the church. AS they were about to turn
a corner of the street that led up to
the edifice n hearty voice cried out
"Marie Why do you run away from
mel" and turning they saw Pierre hur-
rying to overtake them.
"Pierrel Pierre!" murmured the
girl, pale and trembling.
"Pierre, that was, Jim Bradford that
Is. Don't be frightened at the change,
little sweetheart. A sombrero, II cor
duroy Jacket and the privilege of
knocking u man down without the fear
of having to apologize for sailing UNI
der false colors suits me better than
playing the role of an artist. But the
praise was worth the trouble thou
sand times over. Give me your hands,
little girl, and say that you forgive
me-"
| Marie would have thrown herself
into the arms of her lover, but Sister
Cecelia interposed. Tell me-" she said,
before you lead this poor child into
/ hAx 10, uA
bold and heartless. You acknowledge
10 having won her affections under "A
false name, you left her for two weeks
To the scorn of her associates, weeping
her heart out for love of you, and then
come back expecting her to believe
you honest"
"All in time, good sister. You see i
had plainsman's dread of being loved
for my few miles square of pasture,
ana the cattle that kept the grass
trimmed, rather than for myself. So
became Il poor artist and went seeking
a wife. i believed had found her In
Marie, but there was one more test
how far would her trust in me 60
l went away, but not SO far that
could not keep track of what was go.
ing on here. She has proved herself
an angel. II wrung my heart to see
hen sorrow, but for every moment OF
anguish 1 have caused her she slall
have thousand glad ones. What dc
Son say, little girl; am l to be for.
givcaf
Il have never doubted you, as the
good sister here will tell you. Be
sides, you know 1t is Easter morning
Don't you hear the bells over ther,
ringing out the proclamation? Il am
the resurrection and the life, md who
soever belieyeth ON me, though he wer,
dead, yet shall he live again. / be
lleve in you, and here you are"
She gave him her hands. For mo
ment they stood looking into each
1 Ia