The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1872-01-07
(Continued.)
CHAPTER XIII.
FlasRes /!


Preparations for the approaching scenes
'Flashing swords and glittering bayonets
seemed the ft weapons for tournament where
the chivalry of both sections was to contend
the Of .,
sounded against Fort Sumpter, that people real
iced that war meant danger, desolation, death I!
1t was then that the Governor of Louisiana Is
Eatiens throughout the State, to hold them
selves in readiness at moments notice.
Among the Rrst to enroll under the banner
of their State, were Willie Dudley and Clarence
The quiet student was glad of this relaxation
to his thoughts and studies, but Willie fretted
. ut HIS forced absence from Leonora. Neither
coming when every tie must he broken, every
affection laid aside, "when man must arm and
woman call on God" They did not dream that
fAnAticism would rule the day and justice
tremble before its power.
ONeil still remain ed an earnest, but inactive
spectator of the moving Pageantry around
to bid him take up arms in her defenoe-untii
he heard her summons, he wonld not join the
ranks Of war.
Ellen and Leonora met very often for Mrs.
Latrobe found ID quiet enjoyment in Mrs.
Browns company and came very often to the
pleasant, little cottage. There che poured out
her sorrows and longipgs to her sympathizing
friend; while the widow, listening silently,
Thought of her own dear boy and contrasted
his devotion with the heartlessness of the fair
Emma, who seemed more lost to her mother
r5sre 'ss e
face and figure. The fair, luxuriant hair, was
fading into silver tints and her large eyes had
acquired q mournfal, yearning look most touch
ing to behold. 1t was with great difficulty
that Leonora could restrain her mothers wan
behring's towards the old, familiar house that
held her darling; but whose doors had never
When she conadsd her own new happiness,
the precious secret of Willie's love to her poor,
bereaved mother, Leonora Dissolved, with grief
and establishment, that the tidings seemed to
give her pain.
"You too :" che would murmur, looking at
her reproachfdliy. You too shall soon be
all alone and childlessw
denial. mo, mother! We who have remained
together through trial and affection, shall not
in peace and LII j9iy l., be pa, psrt ,sh;'
ored and courted while am neglected. and de-
apised."
Only when she had drawn tears to Leonora's
poor mother rouse herself as from q stupor,
leaning her head upon her ughter's shoulder,
and saying to her most lovingly:
MY denr good eh d was only dreaming
Wipe your eyes; for he who parts us must
bring brand from Heaven aud fire us hence
like foxes!"
Alas! Alas! were poor King Lear's words
prophetic in her hearth
Regret for Emma, q yearning for her love-
these feelings alone seemed TO fill her soul.
Books had no attraction for her, music could
mot charm. away her grief; only those quiet
visits to Mre Brown ever brought a smile to
her lips, q bright look to her eyes.
willie, of course, learned the way to the
widows cottage, and since Mrs. Latrobe would
spend many of her evenings there, he mu It also
do the same, 80 his handsome face aud gold
laced uniform lent new life aud cheerfuiness
to the little, cosy parlor.
O,Neil, the soul of wit and repartee did his
part towards enlivening the sad and desolate
mother. and earned additional gratitude from
Ellen by his kind attention to her friends.
Dear, motherly Mrs. Brown saw and well
coined all to her little homo, and felt more
proud of Ellen every day, as she contrasted
her loving cares and daughterly ways, with
Emmas selfish forgetfnlness.
Mr.. Davis was on his way to Rio and had
sent O'Neil several pages from his log-book, as
homeward bound vessels met and spoke his
own outgoing bark. OF course, Mrs. Brown
knew that Ellens heart was following him,
but she kept the secret in her own sweet, |
motherly way. |
O'Neii had again aud again ezpostulated |
with Ellen on the necessity of prompt action |
in the case of her uncle's property. He told |
her il Louisiana became involved in action
with the North, there would be no hope of ever
her Inheritance. He had learned
himself that Mrs. Noonau had disposed of all
the property in New Orleans through her law
yers, and that the substantial proceeds were
now safely deposited in northern banks.