Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1844-11-15
VOL. Xl.-NO. IL.

I have not been unmindfnl of the decora-
tons on the OCCASION
The servant announced Father Antoine.
then fetired. The good man bowed TO the
baroness, at The same time sieadfas,ly fixing
his eyes upon her
The baroness remarked his scrutinizinq
air, aud assuming a digniied tone, request
ed to know The motive OF his unexpected
visit.
That voice 'Tis she T muttered the
priest to himself, then turning TO the baron
ess, he continued, Il perceive your memo
ry does not serve your ladyship to retrace a
single recollection of me-
Have we ever met before 2 inquired the
baroness.
Once before, madam, under peculiar and
impressive circumstances
The baroness looked steadfastly at the
priest.
My memory seems confused may
have seen you, holy Father, but lckere or
When, battles every effort to remember
Leone here approached her mother.
Mamma, perhaps it is the priest who
married you 10 papa
Your daughterl' inquired the priest.
Yes, sir, I'm mammals daughter, and I'm
going TO be married soon That's what
brought you here, isn't il And you're
curate 10 st. Roche amt your
Pardon me mademoiselle, was entirely
ignorant Of your approaching marriage. nor
am | the curate OF St. Roche. am an
humble priest, for the las: twenty years,
vicar Of Belville.'-
OF Beyllep Echoed the baroness.
1 wish, madam said Father Antoine, TO
obtain noW or hereafter, as may best suit
your convenience, short, but private in
teryiew'
We'll, SIR replied the baroness, I will
avail myself of the present time TO be at
liberty, and alone as you request. Leonie.
my love, leave me-
The door closed upon Leonie, and the
priest and the titled lady confronted each
other There was pause; Father Antoine
broke the silence. You are married, madam,
where is your husband 2
i am widow was the answer.
is the young lady who has just left US, tho
only child You have! My question see
surprises, perhaps offends you hear me,
madam. IT'S now many years since be-
came curate Of the humble chapel of Bel
vile. One night, Is years since, the second
Sunday after Christmas, had Just finished
vesper; the church was empty, and | was
about leaving the sacrisiy. when young
female threw herself on her knees before
me; she spoke not but extended her hand
which contained written paper. 1t was
evening, but lamp yet burned in the
church. approached it, aud as nearly as
| can recollect, read these words. a4s
Tomorrow, by my fathers command, I am to we'd
dare not approach the altar without first having re-
eeiyed dissolution for crime have hitherto concealed
VIII you then holy father, hear my confession at ten
O'Clock tonight, at which hour, shall be punctual
Signed, APrNirEsT.
The baroness could scarcely conceal her
emotions, aud in low tone, requested him
to go on.
AT ten O'Clock that night, she came Il
heard her confession, She
| Hold Holdp exclaimed the baroness,
do not repeat that confession haga
Madam, that confession is a secret be-
tween the sinner and the Almighty and
TO the ear of the conlessor--s ucred! If nv
penitent has forgotten it, SO have j, and the
secret rests in heaven aone If guided by
chance, on the power of humanity, i could
inform mother-doubtless an unhappy
mother of the fate of her lost child.
%, God, proceed proceed = exclaimed
the baroness with shrek of mingled Joy
and fright i am that penitenf! But do
not, ali do not betray me
'Betray you! never. hope TO console
a mothers heart, for much | fear she has
suffered
% Father, il have not to grieve for the
death of my child, shall feel less like the
gully wretch thought myself Speak
does my daughter live 2 ~
She does ..ss
The proof! the proofp
IT'S here land the priest handed the
certificate and penciled note TO the baron
ess
'Evelina IT'S she It's she Father.
explain to me how you found these docu-
ments.'
was sent for to attend the death bed of
the woman who found your child
She was found and lives 2 exclaimed
the baroness oh of what burden of
remorse you have relieved me, Father = -
Then you will own your child I? en-
quired the good Fatherp e-e,,
The baroness paused,-ihen spoke. y
''Tis my ,cish to act from the dictates of
my heart. Can you comprehend the cruel,
imperious duty am called on to fulfil
Can | brave public opinion become
mark of scorn and contempt 10 point at -
No ! no must remember what is due my
name, my rank, and my Leonie. You
would not exact from me that which the
honest pride of a woman renders il impos-
sible for her TO perform
| cop fnI, -