It was two hours to midnight when they arrived at Mowbray
station, which was about a quarter of a mile from the town.
Labour had long ceased; a beautiful heaven, clear and serene,
canopied the city of smoke and toil; in all directions rose
the columns of the factories, dark and defined in the purple
sky; a glittering star sometimes hovering by the crest of
their tall and tapering forms.
The travellers proceeded in the direction of a suburb and
approached the very high wall of an extensive garden. The
moon rose as they reached it, tipped the trees with light, and
revealed a lofty and centre portal, by the side of it a wicket
at which Gerard rang. The wicket was quickly opened.
"I fear, holy sister," said the Religious, "that I am even
later than I promised."
"Those that come in our lady's name are ever welcome," was the
reply.
"Sister Marion," said Gerard to the porteress, "we have been
to visit a holy place."
"All places are holy with holy thoughts, my brother."
"Dear father, good night," said the Religious; "the blessings
of all the saints be on thee,--and on thee, Stephen, though
thou dost not kneel to them."
"Good night, mine own child," said Gerard.
Pages:
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162