er, who was well satisfied when the employee spent his Sunday morning in the office, to finish correspondence and other work left over from the week. At home, matters did not run SO smoothly. There were many differences, not so much because of religion, for Julia had given up the practice of hers, but because of the general management. What family escapes OCcasional disagreements? Many men would have thought, "well this cannot be helped" and so have carried the burden resignedly. Not so, Green. Whenever anything unpleasant happened at home, he would rush to the Crown "to wash down his anger" as he said. The "Crown" a saloon with a little private room, where everything bespoke cleanliness and neatness. No wonder therefore that Green preferred this

was

to his own home.

To-day he sat there all alone with his stone mug in an uglier mood than usual. The innkeeper crossed the room and went to the window. It was about six in the evening.

"Bad weather this evening" the man commenced, drumming a march on the window pane. "That does not concern me at all" growled

Green.

"Oho!" the host thought, the wind comes from the wrong side too. Storm brewing-therefore long session. I have no objection."

He went behind the bar and washed glasses. Later, the regular customers generally assembled. They were not exactly ideal company. but Green felt at home here, because they shared in his views, and preferred cards and dice to church and home. The innkeeper knew this and had cards and dice ready for them, nor was it long till all went to play. Some played for Some played for pastime, some for gain, others because of their passion for play. When Green first made the acquaintance of his boon companions, he had taken to the dice only after a long fight against them and much coaxing, but he soon found out that time passed more pleasantly and anger was chased away as by magic. It was natural therefore, that ere long he was a most interested player, so much so that only at the dice table did he altogether feel like himself.

This evening, a stranger had taken a seat opposite Green.

He took the cup with the dice and threw just for practice sake. His whole demeanor the way he held the cup betrayed the professional gambler. When he examined his throw, it was but a poor one. He repeated the experiment with the same lack of success.

"How awkward I am to-day" he said with a pleasant smile to the bookkeeper. "This seems to be an off-day for me! Will you try your luck

with me?"

Green took the dice. The stakes were small. Green was in luck, for no matter how small the number he cast, the stranger's throw was poorer.

"Shall we double the stakes?" asked the stranger "I just want to see if I cannot force the luck to come to my side." Then he threw. "Seventeen! most likely not enough."

had twenty and won. A satisfied smile passed Green shook the cup, the dice rolled, he over his countenance. The stranger silently doubled the stakes and looked at the bookkeeper questioningly. He nodded and threw. This time he lost. The loss did not affect him much, since their owner. it was winnings which simply wandered back to of him. Any one watching, would have noticed But a peculiar feeling took hold the trembling hand with which he held the dice, and the restless glance with which he followed each successive throw. It was the fatal awakening of the gambler's passion yet in its incipithat was placed. The excitement increased through ency, but growing with every increasing stake drinking. Green's face began to grow rosy, while his companion remained sober though he seemingly drank much. The second time Green the money he had won of the stranger. staked a dollar, which disappeared as quickly as tables had evidently turned, for now he lost stake after stake. The stranger was again putting the winnings away, when Green prevented him by throwing the same amount on the table. The dice rolled and Green lost: luck had left him and by one o'clock, he was minus à month's wages.

The

During all this time Julia sat at the sewing machine, awaiting her husband's return. Hour after hour lapsed but Hugo did not appear. When ten o'clock had struck and he was yet absent she dropped her work-Where was the happiness dreamed of in flighty moments? How passion had blinded her! The man whom she had preferred to her religion, whose words she trusted better than those of her good old pastor, had fallen from the high pedestal on which she had placed him. Passion's intoxicating charms were vanished, and there was nothing left now to honor or respect in him to whom she was bound for life--who had made her unhappy and would surely blight the days to come. She saw clearly that such would be the case, for there was no remedy by means of which he could be cured and brought back to an honest life. He did not heed the commands of God; her words and prayers he ridiculed.

When the clock struck midnight and Green had not yet returned, his wife became frightened for never before had he stayed out so late. Could he have met with an accident? Towards one o'clock she heard steps and the husband slowly crept upstairs. He entered the room--but in what condition! Julia saw that it would be useless to remonstrate with him in his present state. She placed before him a cold supper which he did not touch

"I need some money for I have to make various purchases."

Green bit his lips; all that was left from his month's salary, he had lost in play the night before; he searched his pockets.

"Where is my key? O, yes, I left it in the office. You will have to wait till dinner."

Julia had not the least idea that her husband had lied to her. That morning he went to his employer and asked of him an advance on the coming month's salary. His chief looked at him surprisedly but handed him the full month's salary without a word, for he still had boundless confidence in his bookkeeper, who he thought had met extraordinary expenses. Green confirmed this opinion by remarking smilingly "I would not have asked for this, were it not that my wife's birthday happens to come tomorrow and on such an occasion a little extra expense is permissible."

"Such debts are contracted knowledge," he cried angrily.

without my

"They are merely the ordinary expenses of housekeeping" Julia coldly retorted.

"Why did you not speak sooner to me, then they should not have reached such a height." "When should I speak to you" the wife answered in an irritated tone "perhaps when you come home in the evening? Have I not often asked you for some money? But this is not all; the rent is due on the fifteenth, that is tomorrow. That must be paid first of all. The rest too must be settled for."

Green cast a scathing glance at his wife. "Where is the money to come from?" "From your salary of course. It is now nearly two months since you brought any money home. No doubt you have laid it away for pressing needs."

"You have been somewhat careless of late as far as punctuality is concerned; I would not make further mention of this as I believe that it must have been unavoidable, but since the order of the whole office depends on your punctutuality, I wish you would in future be more exact on this point."

Green had grown pale, yet the reprimand was just and he had to submit. He was pleased that he could give his wife the money she asked for. The balance he put in his pocket with the intention of recruiting his losses of last night. But he met again with disaster and lost also this time, every cent he had. From this day on, matters with the Greens went from bad to worse. His employer noticed with regret that the book keeper drew his salary in the beginning of the month and would usually get but a small portion as the balance had been borrowed before hand. We can surmise where the larger portion of the man's salary went, and also that the small balance was given to his wife.

VII.

In this way some few months passed by. Green was seldom at home, and then generally in such a state of intoxication, that Julia did not dare talk to him. One evening he returned earlier and rather sober. The reason of this however, was not that a better feeling had taken hold, which would have led to repentance and perhaps amendment of life; no, he came home because his funds had run out and his credit in the 'Crown' was none of the best. He was accordingly not in the brightest of humor.

At supper Julia laid a few bills next his plate, bills that had come in that afternoon.

some at all hazards; his creditors pressed for payment nor was he inclined to give up his accustomed way of living. To ask another advance on his salary would not do.

His employer had repeatedly expressed his disapproval of such transactions, but lately he had spoken more severely and threatened dismissal. Green brooded over his books but could find no way out of the difficulty.

"Mr. Green!" the voice of the head of the firm suddenly awakened the bookkeeper "It is not the first time that you have forgotten to enter an amount and to-day, I am searching in vain for an item of a hundred dollars. Where will this end?"

The bookkeeper turned pale with rage. It was not the first reprimand, but never before was it given in the presence of the other clerks.

"I shall not forget that old man" murmered he, when the employer had gone to his private office, and a strange fire was in Green's eyes.

That same evening he went to the "Crown" as was his custom. He paid his bills there and brought Julia money enough to settle all accounts She did not know whence the supply came and when she asked her husband, he gave evasive or unsatisfactory answers. She had now become used to his absence from home and breathed more freely when he was away. Thus the weeks passed slowly and drearily. Julia saw her husband sink to the level of a common drunkard and gambler; at the same time she noticed that an unrest, inexplicable to her, possessed him as time went on. About two months after the public rebuke from his employer, Green entered his sitting room in a rather friendly mood.

"Julia" he said to his wife, who was getting breakfast ready "I must make a pressing journey

went away.

Julia did not know what to make of this. It was clear to her that her husband had not been sent by his employer. What might be the reason of this journey, and why had he lied to her?

As soon as the messenger returned, Green's accounts were examined and found correct, so they could not account for his sudden disappearMeanwhile, hard days were coming for Julia. The money which her husband had left was soon expended and the grocer refused to furnish goods without payment. Julia suffered privation and was finally reduced to very straightened circumstances.

VIII.

Sister Frances felt herself rich in her poverty for she had received a hundred fold reward for the sacrifice she had made She had but one unfulfilled wish-that which she offered herself for, which she prayed and did penance to obtain. She made no effort without offering it to God for her sister Julia; she never recited a prayer without including Julia's name. One day she was called into the parlor, to meet there a young woman, pale and emaciated. Sister Frances scarcely recognized Julia, who sobbing, threw herself into her sister's arms and exclaimed:

"He has gone! he has deserted me! I am a poor unfortunate woman."

A stream of tears prevented her from speaking further. Sister Frances quieted her and found out that Green had not returned after his trip of two weeks and that he had passed drafts on which his employer's name was forged: the same arrived for payment a few days later.

Next the sheriff had come and attached all their belongings.

"Now I am a beggar" Julia concluded "nor do I know what to do."

"How I pity you, Julia!" said Sister Frances, "and willingly I would bear your burden, could I by doing so, give you relief. But take courage! it is all for your own good. Misfortune

Many who had deserted God in times of good fortune, are brought back to Him through suffering. You too will again be able to serve God and peace will enter your heart, so that you shall come out of this trial a stronger and better woman." When Julia could not compose herself her sister continued;

"Come, let us go to Venerable Mother and ask her if you may not remain with us for a few days. In that time we shall surely find good people who can help you."

The Venerable Mother was a woman who knew the trials of life and could not only read the human heart but also pour oil on its bleeding. wounds.

"Remain a few days with us, daughter" she said to Julia "till you have composed yourself. Try to see the Hand of God in the misfortune that has come to you; resign yourself to His will and the bitterness of heart will give way to peace."

Julia thankfully accepted the offer. She spent the days in prayer and quiet reflection. Here, in the Convent, she saw the peace of God dwell and happiness shine forth from the countenances of the sisters. Yes, it is a blessing for the children of the world to have the privilege of abiding for a few days behind the convent walls. The example they see there, of those who have consecrated their lives to the service of God, is a wonderful incentive. They hear the Word of God and can treasure it in their hearts without fear of losing it in the distracting duties of the world.

ing in the little chapel before the beautifully That was just Julia's experience, as kneelornamented altar of Mary for it was the month of Our Lady she prayed to the Refuge of Sinners and the Comfort of the Afflicted. She recognized more and more the vanity and emptiness of the world's pleasures, which she had greedily sought, and which had left nothing but bitterness of heart and a conscience laden with sin.

"If I could only offer my heart to our Lady? But my heart is not beautiful and ornamented with fragrant flowers as her altar is." Such were Julia's thoughts.

Ere long her wish was fulfilled. When she had become reconciled to God through a sincere confession, the morning came on which the penitent was to receive her Redeemer again after a lapse of years. How solemn and aweinspiring were the moments to her, that preceded the reception of Holy Communion! And with the reception of her God, Julia also received peace and the grace of resignation to her lot.

Sister Frances wept tears of joy. She knew now that the Lord had accepted her sacrifice. When both sisters were walking in the convent garden that morning Julia was apprehensive about the future.

"Our Venerable Mother has provided for that" Sister Frances assured her. "A pious lady is looking for a housekeeper one who shall be a friend rather than a servant. She wishes to see you, for the mother has spoken to her of you. You need not fear, the lady knows of your sad fate and will receive you kindly. Would you not like to go to her?"

Julia gladly said 'yes' and then in a few days moved into her new position. She lived modestly and contentedly in this home, so that all who saw her were edified. Often she went to the quiet convent chapel to receive Holy Communion with her sister, nor did she neglect her duties because of these visits. She was most punctual in her work and soon found peace of heart in its daily performance and in frequent prayer.

IX.

Two years have past. A young woman is sitting in a neat room, deeply engaged with her needle work. She is so intent on finishing, that she does not notice how the hour hand is moving close towards midnight. Traces of great suffering are visible in her countenance and yet a smile of satisfaction rests on the pale lips. The clock strikes twelve: she looks up in surprise and folds away her work.

"Thanks be to the Lord" she whispers softly "to-morrow I can hand in the last piece again. I shall soon have two hundred dollars. But it is not yet half the amount. Hugo Hugo," she sighed "had we never met, perhaps both of us would be happier. But I must not complain. I am content. My youth is gone the best time of my life. The bitter experience does not avail much, for it cannot bring back the lost days. Could I but tell my story to the girls who like me carelessly barter away their peace and happiness. Would they believe me? Scarcely, for I did not believe those who warned me. Just as I laughed and scoffed, would they do also!"

Those words were uttered by Julia. Could her friends of old see her now, they would be edified as much as they were formerly scandalized. Her only care is to atone for the faults of her youth and to make good her husband's theft.

But how about Hugo Green? She had never heard anything of his whereabouts.

Next morning we find Julia in the private office of her husband's former employer.

"Mrs. Green," the latter said "you have now worked faithfully for two years to make good the loss I sustained through your husband's defalcation: you have paid off almost half of the sum: the balance I condone."

Julia could not speak for surprise and joy. He continued "You have not heard from your husband?"

"No" replied Julia.

Stepping to his desk the merchant took a letter from it and handed it to her.

"Your husband wrote to me, or rather, had somebody write to me because he did not know your address. Do not be frightened" he added when he saw Julia grow pale "he has amended his ways and the unrest because of the money caused him to write to me. I answered his letter at once and notified him of your noble deed." The merchant shook Julia's hand and she hurried home:—with trembling fingers she opened the letter.

Green lay sick in a hospital at Marseilles in France. It was his intention to take passage for India, when sickness overcame him. The attack was not dangerous but had brought him to a different frame of mind and he would like to come home. He had therefore written to his former employer. Should he get a favorable reply, then he would return as soon as his state of health should permit the journey. This letter filled Julia's heart 'with consolation and comfort. She lost no time answering, that all was now forgiven, and that he could come back without fear.

She waited two weeks between doubt and

hope. At last news arrived in shape of the following:

Marseilles, October 24th 18

Joy and sadness fill my heart as I commence these lines. What shall I say first? I hope I am writing to a Christian and Catholic who sees the finger of God in every affliction. Your husband, Mr. Green, is no more. The disease which was not at all dangerous in the beginning, soon took a fatal turn. The sick man suffered with patience worthy of a Christian. During a conversation which I had with him about eight days before his death, he expressed the wish to become a Catholic. I was taken by surprise as I did not know that he was not one already. He then told me that he had been sick in Strassburg and had there received the tenderest care from the Sisters of Charity. He was deeply moved by their loving attention there and here. The real reason why he wished to become a Catholic, he said he could not give, but he felt deeply drawn towards the Catholic religion. God's decrees are unfathomable. I received your husband into the Church and he died resignedly and full of hope, especially since his last care-the thought of the money which he had stolen, was taken from him. I enclose an official death certificate." It was the chaplain of the hospital who wrote thus. That evening the two sisters knelt once more together and though depressed by the sad news, they were happy in the knowledge that the husband and brother-in-law had died a sincere penitent. From this time Julia did not worry much about