The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1922-01-21
THE
CHILDREN'S HOUR
THE ALTAR BOY.

gone 10 take the candles 10 ST. Ra->
phael's."
1t was little John de Laucey's
voice, and he was speaking to the
Irish housekeeper, in the midst of
game of marbles on the drawing-room
floor.
Love hath it's victories. For love
some have died and for love others
have found courage to live. When
Nora, who was an old lady now and
rather stately, played marbles with
little John on the drawing-room
floor, it was the last proof of her
love.
Have you had enough, dear?"
she murmured, gathering up the
marbles In her thin hand.
yes. Thank you ever Sc much,
Nora"
She kissed him and went out AL
most at the same moment his father
came in. Snowflakes were on his
shoulders and his cheeks were pink
with cold. The child ran to him
joyously. -
Had you and Nora a good game 2"
Eyes, three games and half, papa.
beat her two and she beat me one
and a half Then I told her she
needn't play any more"
THAT wasn't quite fair to Nora, was
it," said his father, smiling.
John smiled, too. Then wrinkle
crossed his brow.
II don't know why, papa, but don't
think Nora likes marbles as much as
l do" N~'.
you are six and Nora is sixty
that is why"
He sat down and took the little
fellow on his knee. One would have
said that little John was beautiful
if he had not been so brave looking.
He had golden curls, but there was
a glance of the violet eyes which was
| more like soldier than a cherub.
II took the candles to St. Ra.
phael's," his father said. Each Christ.
mas eve for four years he had said
this to little John, but always before
| it had been merely a remark. Tonight
he said it as if beginning story.
''You are six years old now, aren't
you. John?" =
| Yes, sir" How proudly the words
lisped themselves out, what a sweet
tremor Of happiness was in them.
| "And tonight I am going to tell you
why take candle to st. Raphael's. )"
| Little John was very still.
Eight years ago tomorrow, !
| went to Mass at st. Raphaeps. l was
a stranger and they took me far up
front. was crowded into pew that
was full to overlooking and young
lady had to tuck her black silk gown
in close about her to give me chance
to kneel, but she did it with smile
The altar was trimmed with lilies and
lace and scores of candles were light.
ed. Suddenly, as the priest came
into the pulpit, the young lady whis.
pered to me, the altar lace is on fire.
| II went into the sanctuary. A lit
tie altar boy had climbed up to reach
the lace and his surplice was aflame
I wrapped him in my arms and
smothered it out. Then 1 put out the
fire on the altar and went back tC
my place. In another moment there
would have been a panic; but the
preacher had not seen it; and the PEG
| pie saw it only in time to breathe 9
glad sigh when they beheld the boy
\ safe in my arms.
when Mass was over the younf
lady spoke to me at the door. I wan
to thank you for saving the little boy
Won't you please take these violets
and taking the violets from her dress
she pressed them into my hand.
ut was your mother. Only littl,
while after that we were married
and when two years later the Christ
mas Angel brought you to me, sh,
said: The good God has sent you
little altar boy for st. Raphaels."
Little John, though he scarcely un
derstood, laid his head on his father
breast, as if he heard the beating o
his heart. Then he looked up bright
ly.
, "Apd shall be an altar boy at ST
Raphaers?"
Eyes. Run into the hall and brin,
me the box you will find there"
!, He brought it, and his father kneel
: ing on the floor, opened it. A whit
, serge cassock and a tiny lace surplic
: lay folded there. He took then
out and slipped them on little John
I How priestly the snowy gown was
r His fingers trembled as he tied tn
, white ribbon at the child's throat. H
was almost afraid of the angelic littl
q figure, as it stood forth against tn
q shadows of the room.
John, If am not always wit
/. you-fathers die before sons-thinl
o of what I have told you tonight
Z Nothing in this beautiful world cal
v ever be as beautiful as your mothe
!. was. The altar lilies are not NOR
9 fair and sweet. Will you remember?
a Eyes, papa
: Tomorrow you go to st. Raphael's
!. Kiss me-
q Little John kissed him and ran t
+ show Nora the altar boy of st. RI
o phael's!
81 REBEL OR YANKEE?