The Storyteller FROM THE HEART OF A CHALICE

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXVI, Issue 15, 16 April 1908, Page 3

The Storyteller FROM THE HEART OF A CHALICE

It was commencement day at Mount St. Edward's. The soimtae granite fouil'dang toad assumed a festive look, every column ami balustrade decked with the - class colors in gay bunting 1 , and with old Glory floating triumphantly. to the breeze. Even the hothouse had been 1 pressed into service, and Brother Anselm had -brought forth his most treasured pots of fern , and palms, not to mention huge bouquets of roses, to enhance the general beauty. * The soft, June air was liquid in its sweetness. Thebreezes played caressingly -over beds of geranium and coleus that relieved the green sward here and there and blew in at the windows of the study hall, where already th) 3 ranks were formed for the entrance march. A band ofoh&ndsome lads Indeed. Any college might be proud 'to call itself the Alma Mater of the most ordinary in 'its ranks, and' the picturesque caps and gowns of the graduates served to render these all the more attractive. * ''Now*, .Frank, are you quite sure of your lines ?' queraed .Brother Ambrose, as he paused in 'has survey af tne well-formed rows, and addressed, the first graduate, a slender, dark-haired youth. • Yes. That's .good. • All ready now ? March ! ' .There was a burst of applause from the breathless audience as the young men -stepped upon the stage, and fond mothers and proudi fathers craned their necks to secure a -bj&tter view of some beloved hopeful. In the front* seat Ruth Ransom sat with her father and mother, and in all that assemblage there was no happier heart than hers. And why n o t ? Was it "not" Frank" Ransom's -graduation -day ? Was »ot Frank her only - brother her idol., the object of her worshipping «tevo--' Tion?- Was not Fran* the valedictorian of the-occa- - sjion, and was not this the glorious climax of all' his^ years of study and achievement ? Ruth, who w&s-tbree 1 \^n r f a- s J unior .could scarcely contain Herself. -but * evSStS??n R +? er mo>t^ ever y few'mlfiutea as some evolution in the march brought hum into better view. , JBUt her rapture knew no bounds when Frank, without r " one that Ruth tSL ? l - s ! f te ' ln ' st ™ctor was throutf all to . memo^ thP^aidV* f W H S + -- U OVer ' + and ' ilm b6^ s stood clasping the hands of doting parents and admiring friends and your tft SS*, sL j'° U keeP «■ you ' ll ie tall <* *« r, ' 99 h i'u Fra ?' V ' Im so ' fflad y° u are coming home for good, the girl cried. «We have missed you 'so thll' t y r c M ?i be sorry- to leave this lovely place where the Brothers are so kdnd.' " ' Ch, I don't know,' replied the youth with • the lofty air of eighteen. clt is rather poky at times, you know. A fellow longs to cut loose. Of course the Brothers are sAI right though.' There was a suspicious break in the lad's voice as he uttered the Jast words. , As the party made theiir adieus at the door, Brother Ambrose- drew Mr. Ransom, unobserved, aside andsa:d : " You have a good son, Mr. Ransom. Frank is a studious, clever boy, but he is apt to be a trifle wilful and may require a strict hand. BuJlvou will have no trouble with him, I am sure. Frank has been excellent in conduct, as was shown by his winning the medal, but I, who have been so close to him, under l stand better perhaps than any other the undercurrent of his nature.' . "■,-<. How often did thjis warning recur to the-, mind 'of Mr. Ransom in after days ! Very gradually indeed, foutnone the' less surely, thte realisation of his son's imperfections came home to him with a batter pang. 'At first Frank was a model, the leader in* all the "societies Bis parish had set on foot for the advancement oft Its youth, . the cleverest in debate, the most skilful

in athletics, he promptly became the centre of an admiring group wlio were ever ready to, do bis biddarig. A stronger character might hiave risen by the very spur of this adulation to better and higher things, but Prank belonged, ala.s, to that too large body of young men with present day society .embraces. His head was turned by flattery ■, .his wilful spirit -soon learned^ to chafe i against the wholesome restraints of home and Uaurch, and the call of pleasure did not pass unheed- « rrV Very uickl y *» tir ed of "his parish companions f« e y "were too agnorant, too narrow,' he would assert with a lofty sneer. So it was. that presently he made friends among more worldly, even dissolute men, an association his family viewed* with grief and disfavor. Had Mr. Ransom 'been scared to his family this Budding propensity migfolt/ have been checked at the lirst sign, but unfortunately he -succumbed to a malady of which he had long been & victim), and to the mother was h3ft the responsibility of governing the proud) spirit of her son. For a while all went well. Frank had secured an excellent position with a large manufacturing firm in the little town where they .resided." The situation was a clerical one and there was opportunity for advancement. (Subdued by the loss of his father, Frank settled down to business for some months. The three lived very comfortably in the neat home which Me Ransom's thrift had acquired for his family. Their' income was sufficient for their needs, and Frank's salary was taxed but little for the general support. Ruth ftad turned her attention to "vocal music and, having been graduated at the convent academy, o f which the prosperous town was justly proud, she was now devorf * , tlme as much as possible to the cultivation n le - voice that promised great power une nig.nt, a glorious June night it was Ruth a SYattl??.' Zr^T*- *»*** T. mother™^?! tear^'KU^t™,? 1 Mrs - Eans °m broke into silent P nH A^f d Fr f nk /' id< He wrote fr « m New Y o rk at, the ut \ few ,*? ys that be had been / engaged by a large and wealthy firm and that he should enter at £££**£& Z 1 U ? es : He haid **»«* *>ard with a S^& O %£&£. a Mr and everyFor a short time letters came frequently. Visits were necessarily scarce, but he made flying trips whenever possible to do so. After a while X S crew few arwPfar between. Mrs. Ransom's health- h?d become so delicate that Ruth could never leave home SiiirnSX *+ +«J :iine °5 ? he WOllld have taken occasional 3.^ grea* cdty in order to k ee p Frank Un . «!• Slste f? y surveillance. The advisability lof leaving theur native home and Ternary New V or k m ordS to- tie near him was more than once considered, but tne income that warranted a- comfortable maintenance «11J g6 fTf M/t !! ey al! fcnew ' barely .furnish the hSSi Ji™ ? m ?? hh V ast metropolis. As they Kad, However, almost resolved to risk all and for the s?.ke of their loved one break old ties, a letter came - from * r-anK stating that he had been ordered West on busiJf^^Ti anC ? J or his firm and ' bein S compelled to f £*•? S *?L ~ ihe °PPortunity of making them a Ion? anticipated visit was denied him. ' A chill- went to the heart of each Patient, waiting Woman a,s they read this letter. Something, was wrong, S. «lt. That instinct which is said to guide wom a n « § 'v* Wltho " t d ' ireo * knowledge, served now to raise rtJ**? *£ 1° the P lausi^lity of this story. Whra, therefore RuLh satd,. < Mother, cou'd you spare me for a promoflv 6 'V°" p°l New T York - Mrs .Ransom answered promptly Go, Ruth, I cana o t wait. You must find out what Frank has been doing.' ' Ransom*— Miss Ransom ? No, I - 'do not ' recall the ' name, but be seated, Miss Ransom. What can I 'do for you ?'

It was the private office' of Newcomo and Co., ami a •gray -haired, kindly spoke the words, as with old-time courtesy he placed- a - chair for her beside his desk. _ ......' ' I have called,' murmured the "girl, her embarrassment overcome by the encouraging gentleness'- of the other's eyes, ' I have called to inquire about my hrotbjar, Frank Ransom, who -is in your employ and whom you . have ordered West on business.' •• Frank Ransom ? V\ by, Missi Ransom, we Have 'no -such young man with us; never had ; but wait ! I *emember now we once did 'have a c'lerik by - that name, but he remained with us only a few mo.nths. Are you his sister ?' - - Rutibi detected a note of sympathy .in the last- wor-ds " and her face blanched. * Why, why, he told me"— there must bie some mistake , wo-ld you mind— saying why; he left 'you-? 1 N Mr. Newoome hemmedj hawed. It was a severe trial to look into the depths of .those tender, pleading blue eyes and admit that it. was the questionable ha.b.its of 'her brother wbJi.fti bad caused his speedy discharge. . The facts did not come out all at once, but after a- while" Ruth, by dint of persistent questioning, realised the sad truth. Her brother had for many, months pursued a"~course of deception. Hte had been in the employ qJ^Newcome and Co. but a brief time wheni "it was discovered that Ms habits and associates « were such as to make him unworthy of confidence. When re~ peated persuasions and reprimand 1 from -Mr. Newcoine faded to bear good fruit, Frank was discharged, alter ■whicJi nothing had been scan or bsard of him. ~ Ruth . never forgot the fatherly ldoidness with wMch Mr. Newcome admitted these unpleasant facts ; , -but it, could not .lessen the pain Ibat the recifea 1 ! cansed in- her loving heart. With wJnirllng brain, -Ruth left the office, proceeding with, all possible speed to the address of Mrs. Ferry, the old lady with whom ber brother had boar- " ded. Here she lea/raied other unpleasant details— how Frank had drifted from one »po%ilion to another, each! one less remunerative than the last, and that just * few days previous to has sister's coming toe" had informed Mrs "Ferry of bis intenttion of leavang the city for good. " I am -going West,' he said, Miss. -" Perhaps in, that far-away country I can begin- life all over and- lift my head again." 1 Ah, Miss, at was 'a sad sight to see bow such a fine young man had come .down in tlie world, and him with, such an eddication, too. Why, Mi&s, one time he showed me_a grand gold medal he'd won at school and he told me it was never rut- of his Keeping. It was a beauty, with the prettiest crown of pearls set just above Ms name. " I'll never part with! it, ' he ses, ses he, "but wear it over my heart '- inside this case with Ruth's and mother's picture. When I -make a man of myself I'll. Kang it on my watch!cliaan again." » - * You gave us a rare this mornisng, Miss Ransom. It is not often that our poor little church hears" such "a voioe. It was good of you to favor, us, especially when your beautdful singling is in such demand.' ' Oh, come now, Father O'Neill, that is some of your Irish flattery,' exclaimed Ruth, as a smile gayer, than usually visited her face, curved, her lips. -'It's; an.' honor and a great pleasure to sing in church again.' It seems. ' so long smce I led the choir' at home: in -the East. Since I look up concert work I ha> v e been a veritable tramp, but now that mother/ and I "Have-set-tled "for a while in this pretty Western town you. must 1t?1 t? 4^ c sil1 " ° lften in yoUL " ' dear little cllurcn - A Qd now,father, I am told you have some rare vestment^ ,', and 1 al *ar vessels that you occasionally show ""to visitors. Will, you let .me look at them when you are at leisure ?' ' Delighted, Miss Ransom. No better time than the present, 1 cried the .Father, whose great hobby was the collecting of elegant altar furnishings. Father on account cf iil-healtlij bad been Compelled to resign the charge of a wealthy church -in the East and im a 1 picturesque hamlet among! the Western hills- had built aneat chapel to which' his rich friends made fretqiuent 'and valuable donations. Witih the eagerness of a school^ boy. he promptly led the way to the sacristy, where he unlocked 1 a' cfloset and a heavy iron, safe. Soon Ruth,, -with all a woman's admiration for pretty things, was examirAig ves+anents of embroidered silk and satin andaltar cloths of daintiest lace and linen,' ' • ' I have left thb most beautiful till the last,', he smlilingly said, as Ruth completed her survey- of tEese.r Here is a - c<hJalloe that I prize most of all. It is niade from old gold and jewels donated by "my parishipners and friends. To-djay I used it .- for the first >ime.. See, we have placed the gems j*ust as the^ came from their original settings. Here ,is a dTamond . irom a' bifthd'ay ring. "This ruby was in' a bracelet given "by our organflst. But I -like this little crown of pearls,,

and the story connected, with it is interesting. Some ' "Sf 16 ?^ go I was called to attend - a young man at 'the Blue Crest Hospital here. Grace, apparently long dead 1 nad been awakened in bis heart. For many a day he ?s?na n « vf 00 ? 1111 11" 1 th 3 sacra^nts, and he led a wild, 5Sr3? ? for yearSl But Relieving <l«atK to be ap' E ?S S he Sent , for me ' WelI > I frequently visited * fe 44 * I,^1 ,^ glad to discover that a real change of mSt '^?fJn ak6n^r^ laCe - * His Sarrow for *■» Wtst was most edifying. The upshot, was that - when the doctors and nurses had pulled him through all right, I interested' myself in -securing a, posil/ion for him at Creston, S5 J«re, andi to-morrow, ..wit/li health restored, be"" r-oes to fill it. One day hearing o f , my projected chal- , T ' Jt *£K r fxom , pockefc a lar e e K° ld mcd " .ai set -wfith pearls, t Father,' he said 'this mpdai ™* won by me at ctear old St. Edward's when We ie , g i? dd * pr ?i nn ic, c to ' m 7 promise, alas, that through fault of my own, has never besn realised. siJii^ih + as T TOXt to .* tbe P ictures of my mother and h*£ wear with -,t above my heart, but you etc/° w r Ch -. far me thai must .take it for of our rard cn .| T ts SOM touches the Precious Blood have **5 ff fiSELfiii fflSi. ty fer ' i roor, ©rang brother that mother and I ha?e sourfJb ior years in vain ! Oh, he toW you of w did he not ? But where is he ? Tell me at once thkt I may go tohim-thatl may take him to mjmthir's arms' that fove waited for him- so long-!' T,,ri+7 ear v*- mm ' 3 ?u 5 cvc '? more be »i's:nant the gentle smile !! h B Y hloh th ® priest replied, « Yes,, I*o Know" all. whrfm „ UeVe^ 0^ to meet the bel ° v ed sister of p£S7,JT\, Pnu * ? anSOm spoVe to me s o often, bSt hZSi 6 S S^- ely S&nt you t0 this P la^ e - When I . heard you sang thus mominrr, and was told your name T was strujk with the coincidence and resolved to ?£ - 1 U W Came to y° u later.' th« peace" 0 alV^ ou * ««*. Prank Ransom found had a ar stan.g°er WhlCh to WayWard Spirlt A pretty cott^e, nestling among the hdfts of a Western to win, shelters the united family. The aged ?o°verS S r S /°? g v a ; ain in the presence of ™-