The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1868-06-21
Written for tho Morning Star.I
LOST FAITH:
OR,
r II + L W o 81 s 4 Il IL S .
y-CoNTINUED.
BY JACQUELINE.

CHAPTER V-CONTINUED.
''Why, Charles, don't you know that if still
adhered to the rules of the Church 1 could not
marry you' Brothers-in.law come within the
prohibited degrees. So, if you are really anxious
to secure my hand, suppose YOU will feel very
thankful for my heresy"
But, strange perversity of man! Mr.. Stewart
was really shocked by this candid and appa-
rently heartless confession-a confession that,
years ago. coming from the lips of Kate, would
have filled his heart with joy.
The ceremony, then, was performed by II
Unitarian Clergyman; and Nellie started ut
once, for her new home. Mr.. Stewart had nat
nrally supposed that she would most prize those
things which had belonged to her sister. Ac
corJiingly, with the exception of new carpets
some ornaments, and general repairing of fur
niture, he had left all things as Kate loved to
see them arranged. But Nellie's undisguised
surprise and discomfort with "snch q want of
style-such Old-fashiOned rooms" ETC., soon
discovered to him, not only his mistake, butt
sadder still, opened his eyes to that inherent
want of tenderness which, i'll some hearts, can
invest even inanimate objects with associations
and memories that impart to them almost the
vitality of life. Thus, she never rested until
she induced her husband to sell the old house
and furniture, and buy one more in accordance
with her taste, and commemorate with her
position.
We have said that Nellie was high-spirited
and dominering; and purpose once conceived
never allowed her to rest until her end was &C
complished. She studied her husband closely,
and learned all his weak points. and was not
dominant will, if not the stronger mind also
The truth w;iS, tha, through the rcM0rsc this
man had suffered for his T. IlnuN over his first
wife, he had grown softer and more plant,
and thus liked 1rcad- u. rcpcating the same
errors a second time. Nellie had discovered
this weakness, hence she seized the reins and
used her power cautiously. circumSpectly, but
ALWAYS with success. The error which was
greatest i'll her, and for which MI. Stewart
could find no palliation was her total in'liffcr-
once to her dead sisters children, Whilst her
own were pampered with every luxury, hmmor-
ed in every whim, and petted and caressed I'M 4
ceasingly, those motherless little ones were lett
entirely to the care of servants; their wants
neglected, and their poor little hearts never
taught to feel the love and dependence. which
only mothers care can invoke. MI. Stewart
redoubled his own affection and attentions, and
this elected u complaint from his wife, that
her poor little ones were looked upon as de-
pendants and interlopers."
One day at dinner, when Mr.. Stewart had
asked the waiter to hand him some particular
dish he was terribly shocked and panied by
seeing uDon her finger an emerald ring winch
had belonged to Kate, and which she greatly
prizetl as 81 gift from him in the early part OF
their marriage. Sending the servant out o.
the room on some plea he turned to his wife
and asked her with great agitation i'll his voice
what it meant. She cody replied that tht
Tirl had been very faithful: that she whnte'
to give her something that morning, ana MS TN
ring was at hand, and of no very great intrinsic
value she thought IL would answer the pur
nose Mr.. Stewart, in the face of such heart
Iessness, could neither speak nor finish his dln
ner but left the table, called the girl i'll tn
half and telling her that his wife had made
= mistake in giving her the ring. handed her tel
Z dollars and got If III his possession. III
NEXT went np stair opened the drawer tbi
contained the. cilsii,, ~ Mates jewels, which h
had coutided 10 his " l., IN trust <er his chi