ng of the Tabernacle of old, had been a free-will offering from
the men--each laid in its place by a willing worker; and, because
willing, the rough walls were as eloquent of earnest endeavor as the
famed 'Prentice Pillar itself.

"I'd like to see such a one as this in our chapel!" He was talking to
himself as was his way when alone. "I believe Luigi Poggi, if he had
kept on in the sheds, would in time have given this a close second."

He took up the magnifying glass to examine the curled edges of the stone
kale leaves.

There was a knock at the door.

He hastily placed the photographs in a long box beside the table, and,
instead of saying "Come in," stepped to the door and opened it.

Aileen stood there. The look in her eyes as she raised them to his, and
said in a subdued voice, "Father Honore, can you spare me a little time,
all to myself?" gave him hope that the fulness of time was come.

"I always have time for you, Aileen; come in. I'll start up the fire a
bit; it's growing much colder."

He laid the wood on the hearth, and with the bellows blew it to a
leaping flame. While he was thus occupied, Aileen looked around her. She
knew this room and loved it.

The stone fireplace was deep and ample, built by Father Honore,--indeed,
the entire one storey house was his handiwork. Above it hung a large
wooden crucifix. On the shelf beneath were ranged some superb specimens
of quartz and granite. The plain deal table, also of ample proportions,
was piled at one end high with books and pamphlets. Two large windows
overlooked the pond, the sloping depression of The Gore, the course of
the Rothel, and the headwaters of Lake Mesantic. Some plain wooden
armchairs were set against the walls that had been rough plastered and
washed with burnt sienna brown. On them was hung an exquisite
engraving--the Sistine Madonna and Child. There were also a few
etchings, among them a copy of Whistler's _The Thames by London Bridge_,
and a view of Niagara by moonlight. A mineral cabinet, filled to
overflowing with fine specimens, extended the entire length of one wall.
The pine floor was oiled and stained; large hooked rugs, genuine
products of Maine, lay here and there upon it.

Many a man coming in from the quarries or the sheds with a grievance, a
burden, or a joy, felt the influence of this simple room. Many a woman
brought here her heavy over-charged heart and was eased in its
fire-lighted atmosphere of welcome. Many a child brou