While arranging the altar Amy began with her usual string of questions, which were always listened to, and answered, for Mrs. Allen and her sister never allowed themselves to be "too busy to talk to children."
"Auntie, why do we burn lamps before statues and holy pictures? Mollie Lane asked me that question when she was in here yesterday, and I did not know how to explain, then she laughed and said it was so funny to have artificial light in the day time."
"My dear, we burn lamps and candles on the altar for several reasons, which it would take too long to tell you just now; when you are older, I will give you a little book called "Sacramentals," which explains all about the lights on our altars, the use of holy water, blessed palm, the crucifix, etc. For the present it suffices to tell any one who questions you that the lamp in our Oratory is kept burning as a mark of respect towards the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and besides it is a pretty ornament."
What a bower of loveliness, peace and rest was the little hall-room which Mrs. Allen set apart as a "Holy of Holies" for her household. A subdued light glimmered through the latticed windows, which also admitted the soft summer air that wafted the fragrance of flowers over the family, as they knelt at their devotion.
There was time to pray in that house, and although its head was not a Catholic, he approved of his family living up to all they professed; in fact he was proud of the little tabernacle in his house, and frequently, when he had visitors, invited them upstairs to see the Oratory.
While Aunt Lucy and Amy were occupied, Bolax went out to the stable hoping Pat, the hired man, would talk to him; but Pat had gone to the village on an errand, then Bo came back to the house and called for his Mamma. As mother did not respond immediately he screamed as loud as he could: "Ma, dear! Ma, dear!"
Mrs. Allen opened her door and asked why he spoke in such a disagreeable tone of voice.
"Well, I have no one to play with," he whined. "I want sister, can't she come down?"
"Now dearie be a good little man, don't whine, go and amuse yourself; Amy is at her lessons with Aunt Lucy, and I am writing to Papa. I should like to be able to tell him you were a good boy."
"Where is Papa now?" asked Bo. "Away off in Kansas, dear."