Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1858-03-17

and Jewels, as his lot.
''Monsieur Vatry," said NJ. Dubois
to that gentleman, Seven suppose it had
been the intention of the deceased to
punish her sister, it would be noble on
your part, millionaire as you are, to give
up at least portion of your share to
Anne, who needs it so much.'
'sThanks for your kind advice, dear
sir" replied Vatry; ''the mansion is
situated on the very confines of my
woods and suits me admirably, all the
more so that it is ready furnished. AS
to the jewels Of Sister Egerie, they are
"reminiscences which one ought never
to part with
S'Since it is so,'' said the notary, ssmy
poor Madam Anne, here is the Prayer
book that remains to YOU"
Anne, attended by her son, hand
some boy with blue eyes, took her sis
ter's old Prayer-book, and making her
son kiss it after her, she said:
''Hector, kiss this book which be-
longed to your poor aunt, who is dead,
but who would have loved you well had
she known you. When you have Learn
ed to read you will pray to Heaven to
make you wise and good as your father
was, and happier than your unfortunate
mother" .- .... ..
The eyes Of those who were present
were filled with tears, notwithstanding
their efforts to preserve an appearance
Of Indifference.
The child embraced the old book
with boyish fervor, and opening it af-
terware, exclaimed: "Oh, mamma,
what pretty pictures!'
''Indeed!" said the mother, happy in
the gladness of her boy. : ,.5r
eyes. The good Virgin, in a red
dress, holding the infant Jesus in her
arms. But why, mamma, has silk pa
per been put upon the pictures %
$50 that they might not be injured,
my DEAR
''But, mamma, why are there ten
silk papers to each engraving %
The mother looked. and utterino
sudden shrek, she fell into the arms of
the notary, who, addressing those pres
ent, said: .
'Leave her alone, it won't be much
people don't die of these shocks. As
for you, little one, addressing Hector,
''give me that prayer-book, you will
tear the engrayinns.''
The inheritors withdrew, making va
rious conjectures as to the cause Of
Anne's sudden illness, and the interest
which the notary took in her. A month
atterward they met Anne and her son,
exceedingly well, vet not extravaganza
ly dressed, taking an airing in a two
horse chariot. This led them to make
inquiries, and they ascertained that
Madam Anne had recently purchased
hotel for one hundred and eighty thou
sand francs, and that she was giving
first-rate education to her son. The
news came like thunderbolt uponthem.
Madam de Villeboys and NJ. de Vatry
hastened to call upon the notary to ask
for explanation. The good Dubois was
working at his desk. ...
''Perhaps We are disturbing you?n
said the arrogant old lady.
''No matter. Twas in the act of set
ting purchase in the state funds for
Madam Anne"
"What!'' exclaimed Vatry, "after
purchasing house and equipages, she
has still money to invest?''
''Undoubtedly 500
''But where did the money come
from 90
"What. did you not see? 90
"When?''
"When she shrieked upon seeing
what the prayer-book contained which
she inherited" ...- ..
owe observed nothing"
ooh! thought that you saw it."
said the sarcastic notary. ''That pray
er book contained sixty engravings, and
each engraving was covered with ten
notes of thousand francs each.''
"Good heavens - exclaimed Vatrv.
thunder-struck.
eff l had only known !" shouted
Madam de Villeboys.
''You had the CHOICE" added the
notary, ''and myself urged you to take
the prayer-book, but you refused.''
''But who could have expected to
find a fortune in a breviary."
The two baf1ed old egotists with
drew, their hearts swollen with passion
ate envy.
Madam Anne is still in Paris. If YOU
pass by the Rue Laftte On fine sum-
mer evening, you will see a charming
picture on the first floor, Illuminated bv
the pale reflection of wax lights.
A lady who has joined the two hands
Of her son, fair child OF six years of
age, in prayer before an old book of
''Heures de la VERGE and for which
case in gold has been made.
''Pray for me, child" said the moth
er.
"And for who else 2" said the child!
''For your father, your dear father;
who perished without knowing YOU.
without being able to love vou.''
''Must l pray to the saint, my pat
ron % ....
eyes, my little friend: but do not
forget a saint who watches us from
heaven, and who smiles upon us from
above the clouds''
''What is the name of that saint,
mamma ?"
- Tho mother III an Al . Il y 1.