A. Rocofort, S. J.
A Very Great Loss.
"Aunt Lucy," said Bolax one day. "I had a very important paper, and I cannot find it. I took such pains to write it because it was to go to Father Rocofort. Did you see it? You would know it was important because it was written without blots."
"Indeed, child, I did not see it, ask Hetty; she cleaned your room this morning."
"Hetty, Hetty," called Bo, "did you see a long narrow strip of paper about a yard long, with writing on it?"
"Yes, I done see a paper like dat; it was on the floor of you' room when I go clean it, and the puppy was a chewing of it. I done took it and put it under a book on your desk."
"Oh Hetty, why, oh, why did you let puppy chew up my paper? It had my sins on it."
"For de Lawd sake. Bolax! you' sins! Den I guess de poor little dog done pizened by dis time. I ain't seed him since he et up dem sins, three hours ago. I guess I'll find him lying dead somewheres."
"Hetty, you stop making fun of me; I'm in real earnest. Sins are things people only tell to the priest, or to their mothers, and I don't want mine to be blowing round for every one to see them."