Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1862-07-02

as may be easily imagined, selected the
chateau, furniture and jewels as his lot.
.Mousleur Vatry,' said NJ. Dubois to that
gentleman, seven suppose it had been the in
tention OF the deceased TO punish her sister,
1t would be noble on your part, millionaire as
you are, to give up at least portion of your
share to Anne, who wants it so much.''
'Thanks for your kind advice, dear sir -
said Fatry; "the mansion is situated on the
very confines of my woods, and suits me ad-
mirably, all the more so that it is already
furnished. As to the jewels of sister Egerie
they are "reminiscences which one ought never
to part with.'
''Since it is so,' said the notary ssmy poor
Madame Anne, here is the Prayer. book that
remains to you.''
Anne, attended by her son, handsome boy
with blue eyes, took her sisters old Prayer
book, and making her son kiss it after her,
she said
''Hector, kiss this book, which belonged to
your poor aunt, who is dead, but who would
have loved you well, had she known you.
When you have learned 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 boy
ish fervor, and opening it aiterward, he said
ooh mamma, what pretty pictures -
''lndeed ~ said the mother happy in the
gladness of her boy.
eyes. The good Virgin in red dress
holding the infant Jesus in her arms. But
mamma, why has silk paper been put upon the
pictures ?''
$50 that they might not be injured, my
dear.''
ssBut mamma, why are there ten silk papers
to each engraving 10
The mother looked and uttering sudden
shrek, she fell into the arms of NJ. Dubois,
the notary, who addressed those present, and
said
ssLeave her alone, it won't be much peo-
pie don't die of these shocks; as for you lit
tie one,'' addressing Hector, ssgive me that
prayer-book you will tear the engravings."
The inheritors withdrew, making various
conJectures to the cause of Anne's sudden
illness, and the interest which the notary took
in her. A month afterwards, they met Anne
and her son, exceedingly well yet not extrav-
agantly dressed, taking an airing in a ba-
rouche. This led them to make inquiries,
and they ascertained that Madame Anne had
recently purchased hotel for one hundred
and eighty Thousand francs, and that she was
giving first rate education to her son. The
news came like thunder bolt upon them.
Madame de Vileboys and NJ. de Vatry hast
ened to call upon the notary to ask for eXpia-
nations. The good Dubois was working at his
desk.
'.Perhaps we are disturbing you ?'' said the
arrogant old lady.
ssNo matter. was in the act of settling
purchase in the State funds for Madame
Anne"
"What!'' exclaimed Vatry, ssafter purchas-
ing house and equipages, she has still money
to invest 20
sUndoubtedy 500
"But where did the money come from 70
sWhat did you not see 20
"When 20
sWhen she shrieked upon seeing what the
Prayer book contained which she inherited"
ssWe observed nothing"
ssOh | thought you saw it" said the sar
castle notary. ssThat pray er book contained
sixty engravings, and each engraving was COW
cred by ten notes notes of thousand francs
each.''
ssGood heavens I' exclaimed Vatry, thun-
der struck.
oIf had only known it 20 shouted Madame
de Villeboys.
"You had the CHOICE" added the notary,
"and myself urged you to take the prayer
book, but you refused. ="
s:But who could have expected TO find a for
tune in a breviary.''
The two baffied old egotsts withdrew, their
hearts swollen with passionate envy.
Madame Anne is still in Paris If You pass
by the Rue Lafitte on a fine summer evening,
you will see a charming picture on the first
floor, illuminated by the pale reflection of
wax candles.
A lady who has joined the two fair hands of
her son, and a fair child of six years of age,
in PRAYER before an old book of ssHieures de
Vierge" and for which case of gold has
been made.
ssPray for me, child.'' said the mother.
ssAnd for who else l'' inquired the child.
s'For your father, your dear father, who
perished without knowing you, without being
able to love you."
s.Must pray to the saint, my patron ?''
ssYes, my little friend but do not forget
saint who watches us from heaven, and who
smiles upon us from above the couds.'
ssWhat is the name of that saint, mamma
dear 20
The mother, then watering the fair child's
head with her tears, answ cred, stHer name is
sister Egerie.'
A SUCCESSFUL PLAN OF CoURTsHIP.-At a
wedding, recently celebrated, were present
some twenty-five young persons, all of them
in a condition which, for various reasons,
they generally concurred in regarding as un-
desirable-the ssunengaged." One OF the
gentleman suspected the prevalence a.
mong them of feelings that might easily be
exchanged for others more fixed and agreea-
BILE. He accordingly proposed the choosing
of President, person worthy of all eoni-
dence. whose duty it should be to receive
from each individual folded paper inscribed
with name of the person of the otLer sex
to whom the first would be willing to marry.
The President, in addition to the restraint OF
his own sense of honor, was to be put under
a solemn pledge of secrecy. All refusing TO
accede to the proposition were for time to
leave the room Those whose choice was re-