Richard Forrest, Bachelor — page 45: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

36 “GOOD-BY, BEST AND KINDEST SISTER.” now, I say would you mind, telling me what caused this unfortunate estrangement, Miss Rose? If you would I shall not press you to confide in me.”’ “Tt pains me to speak of it, Father.’’ “Tt may comfort you in this case.”’ No answer. “Tt may ease your mind, my daughter, to let me know just what your trouble is, I have known you so long and so well,’’ urged Father Moore again. “Tf T cannot trust you, then there is no one in the world whom I can,’’ she uttered, wearily. ‘‘So I will tell yuu in what sorrow I am.”’ | And she related so much as she thought best of what had passed between her sister and herself, dwelling with piti- ful intensity upon the state of her feelings at discovering Florence’s flight from home. When she had finished, the priest sat silent for a while, his head bowed on his breast. He could scarcely find words to express the sympathy which was welling up in his heart for her, and yet he was constantly called upon to perform just such offices. This time, however, it was more than an ordinary duty. He could not have felt more pity for Rose had she been in truth his own daughter. The future looked black and hopeless enough for her, yet he must not allow her to despair. He scarcely knew how to begin. ‘‘My child,’’ he said, gently, taking her hand, ‘‘the Lord sends us hard trials to bear, but rest assured He will com- fort you in His own way.”’ Instantly her manner changed. The crimson blood suf- fused her pale cheeks, and she sprang to her feet, her eyes dilating. “Stop, Father!’ she cried, peremptorily, ‘‘I will not COM