Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1869-03-24


to intimate to her sister that repen-
tance and prayer were the only help
she need in this world
As she finished these words Mad
} anne de Villeboys made a definite
selection on the ready money for her
share, NJ. Vatry, as may be easily
imagined, selected the chateau, fur
niture and jewels as his lot.
Monsieur Vatry,' said NJ. Dubois to
that gentleman, even suppose it had
been the intention of the deceased to
punish her sister, it would be noble
on your part, millionaire that you are,
to give at least portion of yours to
Anne, who wants it so m lch.'
Thanks for your advice, dear sir
replied Vatry. The mansion is sit
uated 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 ought new
er to part with
Since it is so, said the notary, my
poor Madame Anne, here's a prayer
book that remains to YOU
Anne, attended by her son, a hand
some boy, with blue eyes, took her
sisters old prayer book, and making
him kiss it after her, 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
heaven to make you wise and good,
and happier than your unfortunate
mother
The eyes of those who were present
were filled with tears, notwithstand-
ing their efforts to preserve feeling
of Indifference.
The child embraced the old PRAYER
book with boyish fervor, and opening
it, exclaimed:
'Oh! mamma, look what pretty
pictures
'Indeedr said the mother, happy in
the gladness of her boy.
Yes. The good Virgin in a red
dress, holding the infant in her arms.
But why, mamma, has silk paper
been put upon the picture?'
so that they may not be injured,
my DEAR
But, mamma, why are there silk
papers to each engraving?
The mother looked, and, uttering a |
sudden shrek, she fell into the arms |
of M. Dubois, the notary, who, ad-
dressing those present said:
Leave her alone. 1t won't be
much. People don't die of these /
shocks. As for you, little one,' ad- |
dressing Hector, give me that prayer
book. You'll tear the engravings.i
The inheritors withdrew, making
various conjectures as TO the cause of
Anne's sudden illness, and the inter-
est which the notary took in her. A
month afterwards they met Anne and
her son, exceedingly well but not
extravagantly dressed, taking an air
ing in two horse chariot. This led
them to make inquiries, and they
learned that Madame Anne had re-
Gently purchased a mansion for one
hundred thousand frances, and was
giving first rate education to her
son. The news came like thunder
bolt upon them. Madame de Vile
boys and NJ. Vatry hastened to the
notary for an explanation. The good
Dubois was working at his desk.
Perhaps we are disturbing you,'
said the arrogant lady.
No matter, l was in the act of set
Ting a purchase in the State Funds
for Madame Anne
What! after purchasing a house
and equippage, has she still money to
invest?
Undoubtedly so.'
But where did the money come
from p II
What, did you not see%
'When?' ----.
When she shrieked on seeing what
,he prayer book contained which she ,,
Inherited
we observed nothing
oh! 1 thought you saw it. said the |
sarcastic notary. That prayer book :
contained sixty engravings, and each
was covered by ten notes !
If thousand francs each.b
Good heavens!' exclaimed Vatry, /.
If had only known itp shouted
Madame de Villeboys.
You had your choice added the
rotary, I, myself, urged you to take
he prayer book, but you refused !
But who could expect to find for
une in a breviary.'
The two baffied egotists withdrew, :
heir hearts swollen with passionate :
.nvy.
Madame Anne is still in Paris. If :
-ou pass by the Rue Laffite on fine :
evening you will see a charm :
ng picture on the first floor, illu- :
minated by the refexion of wax !
ights.
A lady has joined the two hands of =
Ter son, a fair child of six years of !
.ge, in prayer before an old book of :
Heures de Ia VERGE and for which :
case of gold bas been made. /.
Pray for me says the mother. !
And for what else? inquired the
hild.
For your father, your dear father, J.
Who perished without knowing you, =
without being able to love you
Must L pray to the saints, my {
1
Yes, my child, and do not forget a !
aint who watches from Heaven, and :
miles upon US from above the Clouds !
What is the name of that saint, Z
The woman then water
ng the child's head with tears, :
Her name is sister Egerie.' =
MI