Part 35 (1/2)
”Neither,” the priest replied ”Butdrive
He would appreciate a cup of tea--eh, Jack?”
”No thank you, Father I will take the car to the garage, and get to bed,” the chauffeur answered Therewith he started post haste for the garage and bed
”How is Desmond?” Father Healy asked anxiously
”At his very worst, the doctor tells h the next few days there is hope; at present it o either way,” Desmond answered
”Can I see hi without consulting her Sit down and eat while I find her Ah! here is Miss O'Connor,” he added, as Kathleen entered the room
”Father, I a so long for you, until at last I began to lose hope”
”I have been as anxious as you,” he answered ”Is the boy asleep?”
”I will ask nurse,” said Kathleen, and went quietly out of the room
Desmond had just awakened from a quiet sleep He was fully conscious, more so than he had been for many days When Kathleen entered the nurse stole over and looked at him
”Awake?” she asked, in a low voice
”Very one, leaving me at peace”
”Father Healy is here,” she said
”Did I send for him? I have a faint idea I dida sort of half dream that the dad came to me and told me to see the Father,” he answered
”Will you see hiether first I am in a mortal dread,”
he whispered
”Would you rather wait?” she asked
”No; it has to be gone through Just a mouthful of nourishment; then send him in!”
In the quiet of the sick rooether in whispers; Des the story of his fall and the subsequent history resulting froood Father's kindly ears
And when it was coreat joy in the two hearts and a peace in Desmond's that had not been there for many years
”You are tired, lad, Father I have come out of the ocean of darkness and doubt into the old harbour of peace and certainty”
A fewas peacefully as a child The nurse, looking into his thin, pale face, where black lines encircled the eyes, found a gentle smile on it