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"THIS IS THE PRIEST ALL SHAVEN AND SHORN."
LITTLE Maida was like a sunbeam in the home of Father Francis. The old man had quite forgiven Ratcliffe for his former misdemeanours, and for the concealment of his marriage from his own relatives and friends; and now, in his loveless, childless old age, Ratcliffe's little one called forth all the best feelings of his nature. For some time past his health had been too poor to allow of his undertaking any active duty in connection with his religion or profession, but having a little property of his own, he contented himself with such quiet occupations as his little house and garden afforded, varied sometimes by a visit to a neighbouring friend, or a drive in his little chaise to some place of interest within easy distance.