The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1872-02-25

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>, told him everything eptomising all
that the future held of joyful promise, in the
Then O'Neil knew, by the great pain that
entered into his own heart, that hers had been
crowned with peace and clothed with happi-
that seemed to enwrap his future, how her
own was lit by joy and sanctifed by calm as
surance.
his heart above to seek for help and strength
and then there came sudden peace, as great
as even the pain had been.
Ellen noted the serious, thoughtful look,
marked the strange stiffness that fell upon
INN, and feared that she had panied or shocked
him by this announcement. ONeil was very
dear to her, and to cause bin sorrow was like
piercing her own heart. She rose and went
towards him, hardly Knowing What to say,
only she longed to drive away that fixed,
unusual look, to brighten again his kind and
tender eyes.
"ONeil! My almost brotherr What
other words she might have said were never
spoken; her trembling tone, her fearful eyes.
her self.reproachful look, all reused him more
than any words could do.
He started to his feet, seated her in his own
chair, and, bending over her with that look, SO
full OF unmistakable happiness, which had
touched Aunt Polly, he said my dear.
friend and sister! You thought would be
selfish enough to grieve over your bright,
innocent Joy, because somebody is coming. But
yours be the same, and my eyes will shine
brighter for the joy they see in your own"
She raised her eyes tiuidly, inquiringly, to
his face. and read there what he had himself
declared to Aunt Polly, that nothing could
make him uahappy!
She laid her little hand in his for her simple
answer. He retained it for q moment, caress-
ing it with the other as he said:
Sometimes, dear Ellen, have been foolish
IN my thoughts and hopes bnt that is all over
now hiS 1T 1T was only natural ycu knoT,",here
lrishman, should fancy the sweetest, purcst
flower that ever bloomSd within the dear, old
Emerald Isle, and proudly wish to wear it
next my heart. Orr land, our faith, our hopes
are all the same. Can you forgive me now tor
linking once our love, too, might be but ONE"
"Forsive! You must forgive me, O'Ncil,
tor n not o valuing, nor pricing your ,generons,
you as sister, tenderIy and we'll"
And thank God for that. 1t shows that
am not an utterly worthless fellow"
lie stopped over the little hand, pressed upon
it a fcrvent kiss, and laid it tenderly away
from his warm, cherishing embrace. Thus did
he lay aside, gently. yet manfullv, lovingly.
yet resignedly, the bright, sweet vision of
past.
That night, as Ellen, on Blended knees, went
bitterly over the disappointment she had in
nlGted upon another, and prayed, with earnest,
sob6ing words, that help, and joy, and peace
might come to him; he, in the silence of his
own room, parted unmurmurinrIy with all his
loving hopes, bright dreams and glorious flu
dow. No ontspoken word, no bitter sigh, no
impatient gesture, told of the struggle going
On within. long, steady look at the star-lit
Ky above, futtering, almost inaudible
Town upon him-and then he turned away |
calm, cheerful, happy.
Would to God more men were like yon, noble, !
rue O'Neil!
"stay with me, my daughter! cannot
bear to part from you again." was Mrs. Browns |
prayer to Ellen, as they spoke together of the |
1awning future when he should come !
And Ellen knew then that her labor had not |
been in vain, and that she had, indeed, won |
mothers love, as well THAI ether, greater |
owe. which is truly more than brother and
,, Aunt Polly's surprise, one day, as she heard |
Ellen softly singing to herself, found vent in |
the singular exclamation "Bless de Lord
lgen"
And there ocus new life in all the little house
hold. Mrs. Brown revelled in Eleu's happi- |
ness. Polly frightened beneath her mistress
smile. O'Neil sang mischievous, gay songs |
md Ellen's face grew fairer every day.
1t was ONcils habit, every evening to come |
home with some cheerful, bantering word for
Ellen: it the ylec was only on his ips none |
slew IL save God and his own true heart His
conduct, however, had the desired effect, for
Ellen lost all timid reserve, all torturing
l""his when IN his presence, and only looked |
upon him as IL friend in whom she wholly |
.rusted. She waited for his step and went to
meet his smile, she greeted him with laughing
words and merry ivoks-yet never dreamed |
low sad his heart had grown, how dark his
uture life.
He, however, seeing how truly she was de-
,eived in his regard, how unconsciously she
rad accepted her full measure of happiness
cit fully rewarded tor all his sacrifice OF feel
M, for all his unrccorded struggle.
But in spite of prayers, and steady LOOKING
,oward duty, and silent conviction that happl-