The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1868-07-26

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her soul" Then it was that abe most keenly
felt the loss of her husband for, though
the disparity in their ages, views, and feel
ings was too great ever to admit of that
oneness of soul which can characterize the
perfect and heavenbOrn happiness of mar
ried life, still, feeling the void, but not
knowing it's solution, she had been very
happy under his fatherly love and care.
Her nature, too, was one that required
heart-support-1's something to love and
lean upon"-and when she found all the
props Of her life so suddenly cut off-not
even her own strength left to carry her
through-that her very helplessness would
ends and aims as make up q woman's life
on earth-forming a barrier that "even
loves strong hand could never put aside''-
then it was that her soul cried strongly out
as she struggled in the gloom, until God
had pity on her, and sent a star that would
light her through all that weary way, and
guide her through its "pathless darkness"
Then she learned and felt that " faith alone
can interpret life, and the heart that aches
and bleeds with the stigma of pain alone
bears the likeness of Christ, and can com
prehend it's dark enigma"
Occupying herself, then, in her intervals
of rest, with her needle, her books, and
from time to time, Eugene among the
flowers in the conservatory Zone end of
which communicated with her room by the
bay windOw,) seeing something about him
that kept her curiosity and interest con-
stantly alive-the day at last wore on to
twilight, and with it returned her uncle
and his wife from the city. This gentleman,
Mr.. Nelson st. Cyr, was the brother OF
Alice's mother, and likewise Southerner.
Although engaged in large importing
business, he made no hesitation, on hearing
of the death of Mr.. Hampton and the ill
health of his niece, to wind up his affairs
there and establish himself where he could
be near her, in order that she might have
the society and assistance Of his wife in her
sufferings and domestic cares, as we'll as his
own strong arm of protection and business
knowledge in the management of her af
fairs. Childless themselves, they were
glad to hail in Alice one who could fill that
void; so, when she expressed her warm
gratitude to them for sacrificing SO much
quence that they should share her home,
instead of forming separate one for them
selves, they yielded to her entreaties, and
never had occasion TO regret the decision,
all being united by that bond of affection
which, with spirit of forbearance with
all in peace and harmony in that little
household.
"Oh, Uncle Nelson,' exclaimed Alice as
soon as he entered, " am so glad you have
come have been on thorns waiting either
for your appreciation or disapproval Of
something l have DONE"
We'll, Alice, as don't think you have
many special opportunities of committing
any very serious misdemeanor, this some
thing cannot be very dreadful-but let me
hear all about it,"
"You know" continued Alice, how much
trouble have had to find some one to take
charge of my pet flowers; and in the many
applicants that the last two weeks have
brought me, have had either to make my
choice between an Irishman, who didn't
know a camelia from a shamrock, though
protesting to be perfect Linnaus, or
German, whose floral knowledge was COM
prised in a big head of cabbage or a fine
bed of onions. In the meantime, my poor
flowers have been suffering for want of
their usual care. AS 1 sat pondering the
this morning, and wondering how
or where / should find n remedy, man
for this very work. Glad to
have the trouble off my mind, was some-
what prepared to view the new applicant
You know there are people in
the world, in the humber as well as in the
higher walks of life, that seem to carry with
them a certain nameless power of fascina-
ton that takes all ones judgment by storm,
ing. Well, to make a long story short,
this person was one of that sort; so, after
satisfactory answers to all my
questions, engaged him on the spot, with
out having any idea of who OF what he is,
except that he is a stranger here, aud could
not give me a reference, even if asked it''
"Wel, ALICE" said Mr.. st. Cyr, "you
have only followed the rule of your sex,
giving the reins to impulse to run away
with you, and then calling in judgment
when the mischief is done. But as l have
some faith in pure-hearted woman's esti-
mate of character, am willing to believe
that nothing very serious will grow out of
your precipitancy only, the next time, be
a little more cautious-it is safe virtue to
practice, when it does not run into suspi-"
cion-that is blight in any character. l
will take an opportunity, before tea, of
having a look at the cause of your trouble,
and perhaps my observation may help us
to some settled conclusion"
To, tnl- Lii