Part 39 (1/2)
In six hours' time the car raced up the avenue at ”Layton,” to find Sa the verandah while he awaited his son Denis could see the hand of bitter grief in the old ure, in the deep lines on his face, and in the sunken eyes After nearly fifty years'
co his faithful wife struck Samuel Quirk a titanic blow
Denis had never been outwardly demonstrative towards his father San of affection, and his son had not offered it But they loved and respected one another, for Samuel Quirk was the type of nised honesty and purity of intention in the old man; he knew that Samuel Quirk would never intentionally injure another These virtues appealed to hih casket To-day his heart went right out to the pathetic figure of hopelessfrom the car and took his father's hand tenderly
”It's the will of God,” he said
”Did I say it was not?” asked Samuel Quirk ”I knew it must come soon--but that doesn't make it one bit easier!”
”How is she?” Denis asked
”Slipping away--and calling out for you”
Denis waited to hear no more He ran up the stairs to his mother's room
Here he found Father Healy, Molly, Kathleen, and the nurse who had been with Des each one a short welcome as they passed him
Mrs Quirk turned her head, and her thin, white face broke into a sweet sood to send you Sure, I am blessed above all women Himself is with els Father Healy has been praying over ood-bye Sit besideto God Don't forget to say a prayer for me”
She paused in distress, while Denis took her hand, and sat on a chair, the tears rolling down his cheek After a few seconds she spoke again:
”Don't be fretting because the world is hard, boy All will co you--one that will be true to you”
”Don't be worrying yourself about me I shall always land on my feet,”
he answered Then, after a pause, he added: ”You have been perfect as a ret on that score”
”Many things undone, and ood and merciful, boy He doesn't expect too ether for ten minutes Then Denis saw that she was exhausted He rose to call the nurse, but she held his hand for one minute
”Promise me that you will marry Kathleen,” she whispered
”I am already married,” he answered
”You will be set free--I am sure of it Promise me, Denis”
”I promise to do that if it is ever possible”
”God bless you and keep you May the Sacred Heart prevent you from sin, and Mary, the Mother of God, pray for you,” she said, in a low, broken voice
A few hours later the end came to her peacefully, and the soul of ”Granny” Quirk passed the narrow gate that leads fros seen to those that are apprehended by faith With a smile on her face she passed the portal, confident in the hty God
After the funeral the question of Kathleen O'Connor's future caested by Father Healy, Dr Marsh, and Denis, old Samuel Quirk calmly settled the matter