Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1863-02-12


| ton or the ready money for her share
Monsieur Vatry, as may be easily I'M
agined, selected the chateau, furniture
and jewels as his lot.
Monsieur VatrY,' said NJ. Dubois to
that gentleman, even suppose that 1t
had been the intention to punish her sis
ter, it would be noble on your part,
millionaire as you are, to give up al
least portion Of your share to Anne
who wants it so much
Thanks for your kind advice, dear
sir,' rep lied 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 we ought
never to part with
Since it is so,' said the notary, my
poor Madame 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
learned to read you will pray to Hea-
ven to make you wise and good as your
father was. and happier than your un-
fortunate mother.
The eyes Of those who were present
were filed with tears, notwithstanding
their efforts to preserve an appearance
of Indifference.
The child embraced the old prayer
book with boyish fervor, and opening
it, exclaimed:
%, mamma, what pre- tty picturesP
Indeed said the mother, happy in
the gladness Of her boy. #
yes. The good Virgin in red
dress, holding the Infant in her arms
But why, mamma, had silk paper
been put upon the pictures?'
so that they might not be injured,
my dear
But, mamma, why are there ten silk
papers to each engraving?
The mother looked, and uttered q
sudden shrek, she fell into the arms OF
M. Dubois, the notary, who addressing
those present, said,
Leave her alone; II 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 engravings.'
The inheritors withdrew, making
various conjectures as 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 but not ex-
travagantly dressed. taking an airing in
a two horse chariot. This led them
to make inquiries, and they learned
that Madame Anne had recently pur-
chased hotel for one hundred thou
sand francs, and was giving first-rate
education to her son. The news came
like a thunderbolt upon them. Mad
anne de Villeboys and NJ. Vatry hast
ened to call upon the notary for ex-
plantations. The good Dubois was
working a. his desk.
Perhaps we are disturbing you?"
said the arrogant lady.
"No matter. was in the act OF set
Ting purchase in the state funds for
Madame Anne"
"Whstl" exclaimed Vatry. "after
having purchased house and equip
age, she has still money to invest9"
"Undoubtedly So"
"But where did the money come
from?"
"Whatl did you not see9"
"WheD" . "a
"When she shrieked upon seeing
what the prayer-book contained which
she inherited"
awe observed nothing"
"Ohl l thought you saw it," said
the sarcastic notary. "That prayer
book contained Sky engrayings, and
each engraving was covered by ten
notes of thousand francs each."
"Good heavensi" exclaimed Vatry,
thunderstruck.
"IfI had only known itl'' shouted
Madame de Villeboys.
"You had your CHOICE" added the
notary, "and l myself urged you TO
take the prayer-book, but you re-
fused"
"But who could have expected to
find a fortune in breviary?"
The two baffled egotists withdrew,
their hearts swollen with passionate
envy.
Madame Anne is still in Paris. Ifyou
pass by the Rue LATTE on fine sum-
mer evening you will see charming
picture on the first floor, Illuminated by
the pale reflection Of wax lights.
A lady who had joined the two hands
of her son, fair child of six years Of
age, in prayer before an old book Of
"Heures de la Vierge," and for which q
case of gold had been made.
Pray for me, child,' said the mother.
"And for what else?" inquired the
child.
"For your father, your dear father,
who perished without knowing you,
without being able to love you."
"Must | pray to the saints, my pat.
ron?"
"Yes, my dear child; but do not for.
get saint who watches from Heaven.