The American patriot., 1855-06-23
but see, he comes to meet U.S." "You will not be
strangers, Eta; have told him of you"

military appeared in their regalias," the band
echoed their mcrriest strains, bells chimed, and
cannons shouted forth the joyful intelligence of
vacation" The cabinets, laboratories, and libra
ries were open for visitcrs; and the steward with
his keys appeared, inviting strangers to 60 through
their halls At little distance the church opened
its doors to the wanderer, promising absolution by
penstent confession.
"Igo," said Mrs. Melden, "to attend devotions
leave Eta with you, to entertain Harre." ''The
awkward schoolboy will make the effort his mother
desires" he replied with bashful modesty.
To-day, you leave the scenes and associations
endeared to you by years Of intercourse; !" said
Eta, moralizingly, " this is, indeed, a charming
spot, yet must congratulate you upon the escape
from the routine of Students duties and the rgor-
GUS restrictions of College walls am no advocate
of the theory that our school days must be our hap
pest."
"Perhaps not" replied the youth musingly, 81
have ever found life here, all that is desirable; my
experience extends no farther; and the WORLD
rAuGHr-cara me from its snares"
"And would you immure yourself within these
monastic walls, remain shut out from the theatre
ofactve life and sacrifice yourself?" repeated Eta
"That which We sacrifice to God at the voice of
duty, becomes more acceptable in proportion to
the sacrifice required" replied Harrie, meantime
the stranger friends roamed over the grounds.
They paused before shrine of the Mary Mother,
and mused beside the graves of departed, Bro
thers and sisters" whose resting places, marked
by the wooden cross breathe with meek simplicity
the lessons Of their faith. They passed through
the aisles ofthe church, on whose alters were wax
en- tapers burning priests performing their holy
Offices, and devotces of every age devoutly bowing
counting their "Ave Marics' on their rosaries.
They approached the image of the crucified Sa-
vior, unhesitatingly the young Catholic kneeled be-
fore the sacred symbol, GAS flower is bowed with
night" in prayer.
Eta was novice in these scenes and with ex-
quiste pleasure, she noted the mingling of daz-
cling pomp and jealous devotion. Like pano-
ramic view it passed before her. Now she saw but
one object; sudden thrill quckened the pulsations
Of her heart, and she aware the voice of the
worshipper greeted her ear. Could it be in that
moment-she had lived years? It was indeed
true for
There are swift hours in lfe strong rushing hours
That do the work of tempests in their might.
And this was of such hours
Eta was aroused from dream. Alas "to
fearful reality, in that brief period the destiny of
life time had eliminated"
Sunset was burning like the seal of God upon the
close of day, bathing in its golden beams, the Au-
T., ~,
sat alone, beneath the bending sky. Their thoughts
were occupied with the dim uncertain future, which
to the mind of youth is bright and promising
Long they remained in pensivc meditation, for the
communications to be made were freighted with
important consequences. Harrie, at length, broke
the painful silence "Etta, he said, "to-day the
probation for my decision (whether become &C.
clesiastical Student, citizen of the worldly ex-
pires. l have come to render you my conclusion,
and make explanations which, for mutual good,
must no longer be delayed. You are acquainted
with the circumstances under which l left Notre
Dame. That a few months were assigned me for
prayer and meditation, and intercourse with the
world, before connected myself with that sacred
mission, for which feel conviction God demands
the service of my years. have long believed that
l should assume the holy vows which bind man to
his God and the only true church so firm was l
in this opinion that had become almost incorpo-
rated with class, which, in few days, will leave
their natal soil, by the authority Of Holy Fa-
ther, to be instructed in Divine service at the
fountain head of our pure and beautiful religion,
yes, beneath the blue sky of Rome. Eta, can
not now dissolve my allegiance to the world,
though its claims would be cancelled without your
smiles. Yes, my love, for you has banished every
thought beyond Long before the eventful fourth
of July on which met had heard much of YOU
Imperceptibly you wound yourselfn into the affections
of my MOTHER until she believed the daughterless
place by her side was filed While she was alone
and We were personally unacquaintcd, was CRATE
full to the youthful companion whose sympathy
chccred her hours of loneliness but when from
the college rostrum glanced over the assembled
multitude and recognized the known, yet, the un-
known thrill of exquisite delight pervaded my
being which almost silcnced utcrance, and palsied
gestculation."
{" 1t is no idle dream, Eta, that one glance may
inspire the mighty mystery of loue; that crown
jewel Of our existence, which angels smile to see,
cleaning the brow of mortality it is the fairest
most mperishable type of Heaven, and Heaven is
God, and God is love-"
| Oh! they hare nerer iopcd ,cho can deny its ON
nipotent agency! But Eta l must not trihe with
the voice of God. Years must eapse before be-
come established before would dare assume the
responsibilities that would place insurmountable
barrier between me and Gods will, should it here
after be made manifest to me. 1t is by strong
effort that pursue that course I deem honorable
and lust Eta, YOU are free though cannot free