The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1866-05-12
THE CIrp,


FATHER JEROME, the pastor Of Ma
poulc, was an old man of seventy, who
possessed all the virtues of saint, and
only one failing; which was, that by
reason of his advanced years, he was
hard of hearing. But on that very ac-
count his homilies were more acccpta-
bic TO the children of his baptism and
blessing. True, he preached only of two
subjects, as if they comprchcnded the
whole of religion. 1t was either, Lit
tie children, love one another or it
was, Mysterious are the ways of Prov
idencc." And truly there is so much
Faith, Love, and Hope in these that one
might at pinch be saved by them.
The little children loved one another
most obedicntly, and trusted in the ways
of Providence, Only Colin, with his
hinty heart, would know nothing of
either; for even when he professed to
be friendly, he entertained the deepest
malice.
The NapOulcsc went to the annual
market or fair of the city of Vencc. 1t
was truly joyful time, and though
they had but little gold to buy with,
there were many goods to look at. Now
Marietta and mother Manon went to
the fair with the rest, and Colin was
also there. He bought a great many
and triiles for his friends, but
he would not spend farthing for Mari
eta. And yet he was always at her cl-
bow, though he did not speak to her
nor she to him. 1t was easy to see that
he was brooding over some scheme of
wickedness.
Mother Manon stood gazing before Il
shop, when she suddenly exclaimed,
" Oh! Marietta, see that beautiful cup!
a queen would not be ashamed to raise
it to her lips. Only see: the edges are
of dazzling gold, and the flowers upon
it could not bloom more beautifully in
the garden, although they are only
painted. And in the midst Of this Par
adisc! pray see, Marietta, how the ap-
pies are smiling on the trees. They are
verify tempting. And Adam cannot
it, as the enchanting Eve
offers him one for food! And do see
how prettily the little frislling lamb
skips around the old tiger, and the snow
white dove with its golden throat stands
there before the vulture, rs if she would
careSs him !"
Marietta could not satisfy herself with
looking. "lIad l such Il cup, motherw
said she, cit is far too beautiful to
drink out of, | would put my flowers
in it and constantly peep into Paradise.
We arc at the fair in Ncnce, but when
] look ON the picture, fool as if / were
in Paradise"
So spoke Marietta, and called all her
miration of the cup; but the young
men soon joined the maidcns, until at
length half the inhabitants Of Napoulc
were assembled before the wonderfully
tiful was it mainly from its incstimablc,
porcelain, with gilded ham
dies and glowing colors. They asked
the merchant timidly: "Sir, what is
the price Of it?" And he answered
- Among friends, it is worth hundred
iVrcs." Then they all became silent,
md went away in despair. When the
were all gone from the front
IF the shop, Colin came there by stealth,
threw the merchant hundred livrcs
upon the counter, had the cup put in
| box well packed with cotton, and then
.arricd it OFF. What evil plans he had
in view no one would have surmiscd.
Near Napoulc, on his way home, it
Dcing already dusk, he met old Jacques,
he Justices servant, returning from the
iclds. Jacques was very good man,
out excessively stupid.
81 will give thee money enough to
get something to drink, jacques" said
'olin, "if thou wilt bear this box to
NIanon's house, and leave it there; and
f any one should see thee, and inquire
rom whom the box came, say, a stran-
ser gave it to me- But never disclose
ny name, or | will always detest thee"
Jacques promised this, took the drink
money and the box, and went with it !
oward the little dwelling between the
dive trees and the African acacias.
TIE CARRIER.
BEFORE he arrived there, he cncOun- |
cred his master, Justice Hautmartin, !
Who asked: "Jacques, what art thou
"A box for mother Manon. But, sir,
cannot say from whom it comes"
"Why not?"
"Because Mr., Colin would always de-
est me-"
"Itisw well that thou canst kccpa secret.
But it is already late; give me the box,
or | am going tomorrow to see Mrs.
'Ianon; will deliver it To her, and not
,etray that it came from Colin. 1t will
ave thee walk, and furnish me Il good
Xcuse for calling on the old lady"
Jacques gave the box to his master,
whom he was accustomed to obey cN-
,licitly in all things. The Justice bore
into his chamber, and examined it by
he light with some curiosity. On the
id was neatly written with red chalk:
For the lovely and dear Marietta"
But Herr llautmartin well knew that
his was some of Collins mischief, and
hat some knavish trick lurked under
he whole. lie therefore opened the
'oN carefully, for fear that mouse or
at should hc concealed within. When
10 hNhNlh tho MOnlrOMs cun. which he