Washington telegraph., 1854-05-17

tianity as theatrical machinery, necessary,
perhaps, towards carrying on the great dra-
ma of life, and when the springs we're well
adjusted and oiled, and the pulleys worked
without confusion, and every appearance of
he was willing to sit and listen as TO fine
| actor, when reciting the imrassioned Ian
guage of the stage. This man is a fine
actor was his first thought ''he knows his
part well. 1t is astonishing, however, that
| he is willing to remain in such limited
| sphere with such an eye and voice, such
flowing language and graceful elocution, ne
might make his fortune in any city. 1t is
| incomprehensible that he is content to lin
ger in obscurity." Thus Villeneuve specu-
/ lated, till his whole attention became alb
sorbed in the sermon, which. as literary
production, was exactly suited to bis fastid-
iously refined taste The language was
simple the sentiments sublime. The speak
er did not bring himself down to the capac-
tiles of his auditors; he lifted them to his
he elevated them; he spirtualized them
He was deeply read in the mysteries of the
human heart, and he knew that, however
and the laws of metaphysics it contained
many divine spark which only required
an eliciting touch to kindle. He looked
! down into the eyes upturneG to him in
breathless interest, and be read in them the
same yearnings after immortality, the same
reverence for the Infinite Majesty of the
Universe, which moved aud solemnized his
own soul His manner was in general
calm and affectionate, vet there was mo-
ments when he swept the chords of human
passion with a masters hand and the hectic
flush of bis cheek told of the fire burning
within.
'He is scholar, metaphysician, phi
osopher, and a gentleman, said Villeneuve
| to himself at the close of the DISCOURSE
! 'lf he is an actor, he is the best one ever
saw. He is probably an enthusiast who, If
he had lived in ancient days, would have
worn the blazing crown of martyrdom |
should like to see his daughter" The low
notes of the organ again arose, as if in re-
| Spouse to his hearts desire. This time
there was an accompaniment of new fe-
male voice The congregation rose as the
words of the anthem began. It was kind
of doxoloey, the chorus terminating with
/ the solemn expression, 'for ever and ever"
The hand of the organist no longer trem-
/ bled. 1t went over the keys as if the eu-
| thusiasm of an exalted spirit were commu-
nicated to every nerve and sinew. The un-
dulating strains rolled and reverberated till
the whole house was filed with the waves
of harmony. But high, and clear and sweet
above those waves of harmony, and the
mingling voices of the choir. rose that siu-
gle female voice, uttering the burden of the
anthem, for ever and ever" Villeneuve
| closed his eyes. He was oppressed by the
novelty Of his sensations. Where was he
In a simple village church. listening to the
minstrelsy of q simple village maiden; and
he had frequented the magnificent cathe-
dral of Notre Dame been familiar with the
splendid ritual of the national religion, and
heard its sublime chantings from the finest
choirs in the Universe. Why did those
few momentous words so thrill through eve
ry nerve of his being! That eternity which
he believed was the dream Of fanaticism,
seemed for moment an awful reality. as
the last notes Of the pan echoed on his
| ears.
When the benediction was given, and
the congregation was leaving the church, he
watched impatiently for the foldings of the
red curtains to part, and his heart papitated
when he saw white-robed figure glide thro'
the opening and Immediately Disappear
The next minute she was seen at the en-.
trance of the church, evidently awaiting the
approach of her father, who, surrounded by
his people, pressing on each other to catch a
kindly greeting, always found it difficult to
make his egress. As she thus stood against
a column which supported the entrance,
Villeneuve had most favorable opportuni-
ty of scanning her figure, which he did with
a practised eye and scrutiniziug glance.
He was accustomed to Partisan and Eng
lish beauty. and comparing Grace Blandford
to the high born and high-bred beauties of
of the old world, she certainly lost in the
comparison. She was simply dressed, her
eyes were down-cast, and her features were
in complete repose. Still there was quiet
grace about her that pleased him-a blend
ing of perfect simplicity and perfect refine
ment that was extraordinary. Mr. Bland
ford paused as he came down the aisle. He
had noticed the young and interesting look
ing stranger, who listened with such devout
attention to all his exercises. He bad heard
for in country village such things are
rapidly communieated)-that there was a
traveller at the inn, foreigner and an inval-
id,-two claims to sympathy and kindness
The pallid complexion of the young man
was sufficient indication of the latter, and
the air of high breeding which distinguished
him. was equal to letter of recommenda-
tion in his behalf. The minister aecos.ed
him with great dignity. and invited him to
accompany him home.