The St. Cloud journal. [volume] (St. Cloud, Minn.) 1866-1876, 1871-11-02
A GHOST STORY.
CONTINUED FROM LAST vEEK.1

NJ. Anastasius' whole soul was bent,
as he had for once truly told me, on
wioning his young nephew into the
true fold, making him an instrument
Of that great purpose which was to
bring all Europe, the Popedom itself,
under tho power Of tie Society Of
Jesus and its future head-Anastasius
The young man resisted. He admir-
ed and revered his kiusman but he
himself was very singls-bearted,
staunch, and true. Something in that
strong Truth, which was the basis of
bis character, struck sympathy with
mine. He was very much inferior in
most things to Anastasius-~he knew it,
l knew it. but, through all, this d.
vine element of Truth was patient,
beautifully clear. 1t was the one quail
'ty | had ever ~orshipped, ever sought
for, and never found.
Alexis and I became friends-eoual,
earnest friends. Not in the way of
wooing or maria ge-at leust, he never
spoke of either; and both we're fav! oh
how far from my thought-but thero
was a great ard tender bond hetvaan
US, which strengthened day by day.
The link which riveted it was relie-
ion. He was, I said, Protestant, not
adherine to any creed, but simply lov-
ing-not preaching, but living the faith
of Our Saviour. lie was not perfect
he mad his sins and shortcomings, even
as l. We were both struggling on
towards the glimmering light. So, al:
ter season, VIC clasped hands in
friendship, and With eyes steadfastly
upward, determined to press on togeth.
er towards the one goal, and along the
self.same road.
l put my breviary aside, and took
wholly to the New Testament, assuming
no name either of Catholic or Protest.
ant, but simply that Of Christian.
When I decided on this, of course 1
told Anastasius. He received the tid-
inks calmly. He had ceased to be my
spiritual confessor for some time yet I
could see he was greatly surprised, af.
terwards be became altogether changed.
II wisb," said l, one day, "as I shall
be twenty-one next year, to have uore
freedom. l wish even''-for since the
discovery Of my change of belief he
had watched me 90 closely, so quietly,
50 continually, that I had conceived =
vague fear of him, and longing to get
sway-to put half TIE Garth between
me and bis presence-"1 wish even, it
possible this summer, to visit my estates
in Hispaniola ?"
"Alone ?'
"No; Madame Gradelle will accom-.
pany me. And Mr.. Saltram will char.
ter one Of bis ships for my use."
For, l should say, Alexis was, far
from being Roman Catholic priest, a
merchant Of largo means.
81 approve the plan. 1t will be Of
advantage to your health. But Madame
Gradelle is not sufficient escort. I, as
y,ur guardian, will accompany aud pro-
tect you."
A cold dread siezed me. Was I
never to be ffee7 Already 1 began to
feel my guardians ir flucnce surround.
ing mean influence once of love, now
OF intolerable distaste, and even tear.
Not that be was ever harsh or cruel
not that I could accuse him of any
single wrong towards me or others but
know l had thwarted him, aad
through him, his oause-that cause
whose strongest dogma is that any
means are sacred, any evil good, to the
one GREAT end-Power.
I had oppressed him, and l was in
his haud-that hand which I had once
believed to have almost superhuman
strength. In my terror I believed it
still.
ale will 60 with us-we cannot es
cape from him." I said to Alexis. "He
will make you priest and me nun, ss
he plapned-1 know te did. Our very
souls are not our own"
"Wbat, when the world is so wide
aud life so long, and Gods kindness
| over all-when too, I am free, and yor
will be free in year-when"--
II sball never be free. He is N,
evil genius. He will haunt me till m,
DEATH"