A good and true priest is a burden-bearer. His motto is: Alter
alterius onera portate; bear ye one another's burdens. His soul is
enriched with the cast-off sorrows of those whom he relieves.
Father Beret scarcely felt the weight of Alice's body when he
lifted it from the ground, so heavy was the pressure of his grief.
All that her death meant, not only to him, but to every person who
knew her, came into his heart as the place of refuge consecrated
for the indwelling of pain. He lifted her and bore her as far
toward Roussillon place as he could; but his strength fell short
just in front of the little Bourcier cottage, and half dead he
staggered across the veranda to the door, where he sank exhausted.
After a breathing spell he knocked. The household, fast asleep,
did not hear; but he persisted until the door was opened to him
and his burden.
Captain Farnsworth unclosed his bloodshot eyes, at about eight
o'clock in the morning, quite confused as to his place and
surroundings. He looked about drowsily with a sheepish half-
knowledge of having been very drunk. A purring in his head and a
dull ache reminded him of an abused stomach. He yawned and
stretched himself, then sat up, running a hand through his tousled
hair. Father Beret was on his knees before the cross, still as a
statue, his clasped hands extended upward.
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