The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1869-01-03
NUMBER 4S.

IN " III II 4Cs
papa" she said, knitting her hands on the old
gentleman's shoulder, and looking at him ap-
pealingly.
" Pray, don't go Mr.. Parkson. Our friends
share onr condolences"
ga secret, dear Z"
Yes, papa. I have been so naughty, SO
imprudent, you will never forgive. Ellen fetch
that portfolio."
81 think Lucy is getting up Christmas
Mr.. Davis
Indeed she is not. Now you will Judge
and Mr.. Parkson will plead for me. Poor Mr..
You know"
Yes. / hope he is safe by this time"
Well, papa, a hundred little things, which
only woman sees, made me think he had no
morning you gave me ten-pound note as p
Chrstmas-box. l enclosed that note in a letter
to Mr., begging of him to accept from
letter and--and--," Lucy hestated.
well, what did you do with the letterw
4" kissed it," -a
"Was that allf" asked MI Davis.
Oh, papa, that was great deal But I
kissed it only for the sake Of dear Ireland, and
then hid it in his portfolio."
:. You darling" said Mr. Davis, passionately,
as he pressed the noble girl to his bosom, g you
darling"
And, papa, and pray, look, Mr.. Parkson,
there Is the portfolio, and here is the note.
Read it, beseech you.
Mr.. Davis opened the letter, and took out
the bank-note, and read as follows:-
"DEAR MR.-Will You forgive the free
acceptance of the enclosed 2 Even should you
not keep it for yourself do SO for the sake of
others who have incurred the displeasure of
government and have no means to escape it.
With this go-whercver it goes-the best
wishes of Lucy DAVIS"
l heard the letter read in a sort of half
dreamy stupOr, through which the recollections
of my reproaches and suspicious flashed with
painful force. L was penitent and humble
Brave, generous, devoted little woman, nobly
had she suffered, nobly had she triumphed ;
Overwhelmed with shame, l turned my eyes
away, only to encounter hers, deep, luminous,
and torg irving. We alone. light touch
on my shoulder, low voicein my ear
:" Dear Richard you are blameless. Had you
been less provoked could scarcely think that
you-you cared for me-"
Lucy" l said, and the>dear name thicl>ened
all greatness, all generosity 10 God pity
me am unworthy to know you longer"
No, no, she sobbed the trial was. bitter
it was cruel; let it strengthen while it
thingto regret-something to atone fort We
all forgiveness"
=" know" 1 said, show you must despise
mellow the insulting words uttered must
have stung and hurt you. Let my forgiveness
he your silence-my penance your forget
fufness"
times worse could forgive you; forget you
could not. Dear Richard" and she laid her
head upon my shoulder" can you love me and
speak of forgetfulnessN
Z" Dearest, did not love you'll should never
have suffered this terrible debasemcnt. With
you have been associated all the plans, the
hopes the aspirations which have grown up
within me since shook off the wishes of q boy
and assumed the cares of manhood. If have
ambitoned- riches, Independence, whatever
the world respects and applauds, it was for
you, that you might share them. For many
years l have been building up home, that
you might sanctify it. To part from you would
indeed be misery and yet deserve it,"
Look at me- she whispered.
/ raised my head-I gazed into her forgiving
eyes. All resolutions, all dreams of parting
dissolved in their pure light Dear Lucy,
there was no parting. Whom God has united
by such tender sympathies, though one should
err, let no one separate. Place thy dear hand
in mine, and trust in me-"
Dear, darling Richard !"
Only think of it," cried the Major, bounding
into the room, and drawing in Mr.. Davis by the
hand. Cup comes the young rogue, sir, and
asks me for Kate-to my face. And up comeS
Kate, sir, with a look which threatened that
she would box my ears if refused What
could do but strike colors and surrenderW
EWell," said Mr.lDavis, rubbing his hands
and smiling, 81 suppose you did the best for
the young culprits." Here Fid, looking very
important entered rpofrf, fettfiffg
his arm, flushed and difdent.
" Mr.. Davis" 1 said, taking Lucys hand,
am afraid there are more culprits than our
friends, present. Look on us, sir, and be merci-
full"
" BY Jove, Major, this is too much of good
thing said our host. Why will no one marry
me ~
Continued Eighth Pagel