The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1868-02-16

by this post, and it is~so- long since heard
Eyes," said Robert, bringing the letter to
alb all. w " 80 ~
"But not his handwritingf" said Aimee in q
| surprised tone, and she tore the letter open
j A sudden paleness overspread her face, and tho
letter fell from her hands, and she looked up
into Roberts face with an expression of mute
H"My poor child!n~ said Robert, in a tone so
gentle, 80 full of sympathy, that Aimee broke
He is gomez she sobbed out; "my last, my
may, not so" cried Robert; al would give,
my life for you, my Aimee-my love-my love!
. darling! can you care for ME can you give
mo your heart for miner
& She gave one look only from her innocent
| eyes, still full of tears, but that one glance
suiiiced; it removed all doubt from Roberts
| mind. He felt that he was indeed beloved with
- womans first and ardent attacllnehf;; and
gathering her into his arms, lie bsfde her !wee,
ont her sorrow on his hreast57henceforth to be
her refuge. -iIencetofth their joys and their
sorrows We're be ill<>coIlinon. After time
they re..tthe. lc: tor together. It from the
doctor of 81. Victor, and they told how tho old
cure had died suddenly while kneeling before
The altrrin silent prayer, frequent custom of
bis head resting on the alter-step, sElils<of
childlikc smestnezs on his lips, his rosary
tMined abont his~ilands, his breviarg<Ly his
side-a soldier with Gfs~lrInor ON, Le/ had been
called Ey his Master to- join re church tri-
nmphant. For such Il loss tbere~eould be
bitterness and Aimcc's sorrow was ca4sn and
gentle And round-Acr> there hung i halo
such never Frightened it before. She had
been happy with ber mother, and in her village,
with the springtfde joy OF childhood and early
youth; but DsSv he rich, full summer of her life
was come, <frue it was, voice, save poor Yrs.
ConnellS, wished her joy. She hadno mother
eyen friend to tell out the many new thoughts
that her positioz. brought to her mind; but to
make up for this, she found she had won u heart
such rarely falls to the lot of mortal
To the lonely girl Robert was literally all
mother, and brother, and lover in one. Her hap.
Vading thought Of his life. She was not only
loved, but watched over tenderly and cared for
with exceeding thoughttulness There Was, of
| course, nothing to wait for; and soon as the
settlements were drawn up, Easter wouid have
| come, and then the marriage would take place.
Knowing Aimee's love for the country, Robert
took a cottage III one OF the pretty villages
! that surround London, and there, as he pl:la-
| ned, they could garden together in the summer
| evenings and sometimes take row upon the
Thames -
Meanwhile, Robert took Aimee away as much
| possible from tbs gloomy atmosphere of
Rassen Square. They,Swent together to tho
Parks ard to Kensins ton> Gardens, whore the
| trees were fast bsyininS to put Oh their first,
fresh green ; and they went together to the
! different Catholic churches, for the beautiful
! services which abound in such variety during
| Lent; and during their walk to and fro Aimee
learned more and more OF the-nobility of the
mind that was hereafter to guide and govern
her own. They We're no ordinary lovers, these
| two; their affection too pure, too deep, too
real to need much outward demonstration,
or many expressions of lis warmth. They knew
each possessed each others heart, and that
| was enough. Their conversation often ran on
grave subjects; and often, leaving the things of
earth, they mounted to the thoughts of u hi cher
and better lle--;ind Aiinee found, to her aston
! ishment, that the young merchant, active in
business, the laughing, merry Robert i'll society,
was i'll reality leading i'll secret life of strict
Christian holiness, and that the secret of per
petual sunshine of his nature proceeded from
his having found out where alone the heart oil
man can-Iittd it. Deep his love for her,
6irnoo knew it wits second only to his love for
his Creator; aud at the~cali of duty he would
not hesitate to sacrifice the dearest hopes oil
his life Here, she felt, She could not follow
him; her love for him nearly approached idol,
airy. The Thought was painful, and she ban
, isneti it from her mind, and gave herself uptt
the full enjoyment of her first perfect dream al
: bliss.
1t was n late Easter and tn . feast came in 9
, glorious burst OF spring. Only brief tel
, days interviewed between AiInees marriage
day. Already tho simple bridal attire ywaa
ready; y" for as Mrs, ConheH observed "ther.
was nothing like being in time land tn.
orange-howers and the veil were already in the
f good hnusekecpers charge, aud she looked for
ward with 60 little pleasure to the novel sigh
OF q wedding from her masters gloomy abode
Robert wished Aimee 10 see the house he haI
taken for their future home, and early in Easter
week Mrs. Council accompanied them father
to give her/sage advice as TO the finishing
h touches offurnitare and house-inen. 1t real,
was Il little gem of house. surrounded witt
fairy like gardens, with tall trees shading II %:
one side, and the silver Thames shining in tn,
4 ioreground; and a. Aimee stood, silent witt
delight, before the French window OF her draw
ing-rnom. Robert showed her a little steepl.
pscping through the, trees, and told her the
pretty new C:.tnolic church not five minutes
walk fron their abode. "And this tiny room
dearest said he opening niinature window
adjoining the drawing groom, II Thought We
would make into IL little or.ltory, and hang VI
Those pictures and crucifx which belonged tc
yolr dead mother" >--u
!Ntnocs head fell on bis shoulder. 2" Robert,
feel as II were much too BRIGHTON earth. The
cure always seemed to be- trying to prepare ME for
life of suffering, for>srstd future, for II heavy
cross. Long betore-fnammas death, he nsed to
! speak muchLiiI the confessional of the love
of sutierinsS~of e"da,iag life-aid always be-
liL.A.nl hLl IL.