A GREAT MISTAKE.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 2552, 17 November 1888, Page 2 (Supplement)

A GREAT MISTAKE.

Tiik Melbourne correspondent of the Ararat Advertiser tells the following story:—ln a distant part of Victoria lived a very worthy couple, both natives of old Ireland. They had plodded along working hard on tho few acres they bad been able to secure, but never finding themselves rich enough to take a holiday and visit Melbourne. This was felt as a great hardship by the old housewife, who felt she could die all the more happily if she were once permitted to worship in the great Catholic Cathedral. At last the turn of fortune's wheel placed the worthy couple in affluence. As soon as she could possibly manage, it the derout old dame came to Melbourne, and at once asked her way " to the cathedral " As she had not asked what cathedral she was directed to St. Paul's. It chanced that on this particular afternoon the organist was practising, and as the old lady entered the church, the low thrilling strains filled her with religious awe. Kneeling down in a side aisle she commenced to tell her heads in a most exemplary manner. The verger had noticed her enter and watching her at her prayers was convinced she had made a mistake. Approaching her as she knelt he remarked " Pardon me, but are you a Roman Catholic?" "Indeed then and I am, and a good one too, I hope." " But this is St. Paul's Church." "And don't 1 know that," was the whispered reply ; "And haven't I travelled 200 miles to that same holy church?" and the old lady went on with her prayers. " But," persisted the verger, "this is a Protestant Church." Iu an instant the old lady was on her feet. " What's that you say ? A Protestant Church ? Glory be to tiie saints, when did the blessed St. Paul turn Protestant?" And it was not till the old lady was half way to St. Patrick's that she recovered her composure.