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The same nun hearing of the terrible misfortune which had fallen upon Paul instantly obtained, through a rich relative of her own, the sum necessary for the rent. In that respect, the malice of his enemies was defeated, and he was not turned homeless into the street as the landlord had threatened.

Although the police did their best, no trace of the thieves could be discovered, and it was even supposed that the boat which contained both them and their stolen treasure had capsized.

Everything had now to be begun again, and more than ever poor Paul's faith, courage, and perseverance were put to the test. His sister soon heard of his trouble, and implored him to leave Rome, where he had suffered so much, and come to her. He did so; and, by her influence, he got a good position at one of the Sicilian lines of railway.

Very soon his value was discovered by his employers, who promoted him from one post to another, till he became superintendent of all the buildings to be erected on the lines.

So he prospered more and more. His children all turned out admirably, and are now happily married. Paul often writes happy and grateful letters to his old and faithful friend, the nun. And now he is reap

ing the reward of his faith, patience, and trust in God.

LADY HERBERT OF LEA.

AIDS TO STUDY

During the nineteenth century, few writers have labored so untiringly and so unselfishly in the cause of Catholic literature as the late Lady Herbert of Lea, the author of the foregoing story. This noble and zealous woman was born in 1822; was educated in the best convent schools of England and France; and was received into the Church in 1866. During her useful lifetime, she wrote many charming stories which breathe a spirit of piety and uprightness. She was deeply interested in the young. Her heart went out to little children. She liked to talk and play with them. She was wont to tell them about our dear Lord, His Blessed Mother, and the saints. When a few years ago she was called to her reward at a ripe old age, rich and poor, young and old, combined to sing her praises. accusation (ǎk' u zā'shun),

a

charge with a crime or a lighter
offense.

acquit (ǎ kwit'), to free, release.
affidavit (af'I da'vit), a sworn
statement in writing.
compensation (kom'pen sa'shun),
satisfaction, reward.
counterfeit (koun'ter fit), false,
forged.

exemplary (ĕg'zěm plă ri), worthy
of imitation.

galleys (gǎl'iz), large, low, onedecked vessels.

heirloom (âr'loom'), a piece of

personal property handed down for several generations. Salerno (Sä lĕr'nō), a province of Italy.

Sicilian (Si sil'i ăn), pertaining to Sicily.

speculation (spěk'ü la'shun), engaging in risky business for the chance of large profits.

I. 1. What is the chief lesson which the author wishes to convey to the reader? 2. Tell about the character of Paul. 3. What striking characteristics did he possess? 4. Mention two occasions in which he showed his great confidence in God. 5. How did the counterfeiter revenge himself upon Paul?

II. 1. How did the governor of the prison regard Paul? 2. Why did he move him from ward to ward? 3. What happened to Paul's family while he was in prison? 4. Why was he convicted? 5. How did the nun prove his innocence? 6. What was the second great trial sent to Paul? 7. Who came to his assistance? 8. How was his trust in God rewarded? 9. Form adjectives from the following nouns: addition, speculation, patience, value, ruin, habit, respect, courage, trouble, influence, effect, prosperity, ornament, consequence, admiration, child.

Expressions for study:

conscientious performance
deeply-rooted conviction.
dissembled his anger
in breathless accents

reaping the reward

to facilitate the works
to move heaven and earth
to watch the progress

misfortunes never come single unhesitating trust

1. Write a short composition, giving a pen-picture either of the exemplary character of Paul, the business ability of the nun, or the mean, contemptible spirit of the counterfeiter. 2. What pictures would you draw to illustrate this story? 3. Give a detailed description of each.

When the hounds of Spring are on Winter's traces, The mother of months in meadow or plain

Fills the shadows and windy places

With lisp of leaves and ripple of rain.

ALGERNON C. SWINBURNE.

REVEREND JOHN BANNISTER TABB

The Rev. John Bannister Tabb (1845-1909), one of America's great lyric poets, was born in Virginia. As a young man, he took part in the Civil War. Being captured by the Union Army, he was confined in Point Lookout, Md., for seven months. Shortly after his release, he turned his attention to the subject of religion. The outcome was that he was received into the Catholic Church by Cardinal Gibbons, and began to study for the priesthood.

After his ordination, he went to St. Charles' College, Md., as professor of English literature. In this beautiful spot surrounded by woods and dales, he began his literary career. The verdure of spring, the flowering of summer, the fruitage of autumn, the sleep of winter, appealed strongly to his poetic mind. He loved to roam in forest and moorland so as to reflect on the wonderful works of the Creator.

It is to be regretted that Father Tabb was so recluse in his habits. Few knew him as a friend; but these few never tire of sounding the praises of his charming personality. Though he appeared to the casual on-looker stern and reserved, he was in reality light-hearted and witty.

Though Father Tabb's fame as a great lyric poet is recognized to-day, we seldom hear of his labors as a priest of God. His warm fatherly heart went out to all those intrusted to his care, and he led them along the paths of religious and intellectual progress.

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