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


to be enabled to bear, with the same eq naniml, !,
ty. the joys as we'll as the sorrows of this hfe =
ONeil groaned aloud.
1t is best for me to see her, them" he SAID
too, must soon hear"
She sat down beside him aud listened.
Mr.. Davis was to have sailed for this city,
as he stated in his last letter."
The widow nodded an affirmation; Tor
O.Nsils rapid words seemed to be an explana-
ton only of what was yet to be told. ~
1t seems he heard, just when he was on the
point of starting, that the Dudley family had
gone into the Confederacy, and that Ellen was
with them."
She started with wonder--5ut he went on
Trying to make his way through every
difficulty in order to reach them, he found
himself in Missouri, was arrested as one OF ten
hostages for non-appearins Union man, anu
shotp
Mrs: Brown could only murmur: "My
poor Ellen! My poor girlw
"a aag-of-truce brought the news to-day, {;
this-this-to her! Bird of i'll omenw he ex-
claimed, passionately, SIS it always to be my
doom to wound her heart by evil tidings
Across every ray of sunshine that gilds her
young life 1 have thrown black shadow of
grief or desolatioA. God help me, indeed !"
So strange it was to see hin, lose hope and
courage, that Mrs. Brown felt unable to speak
a word. But that Fathers name, invoked, as
and comfort to the sorely tried speaker. He
looked up reyerently, imp!loringly, and Mrs.
Brown heard him whisper:
"a bitter chalice. Yet not my will, but
Thine"
81 will go to her." he said. al am glad 1
saw you first. l shall be calmer now"
1T is no, your fault, oNs1," she said, in
just before" that you have so often been the
bearer of bad news. God willed it all, and
what He does is right"
He gave her such Il grateful look And, say
ing almost cheerfuly, Yes-without that
faith, how could We bear these burthens," har-
ried from the house,
Reaching st. Patrick's, where he knew Ellen
was accustomed to so to confession, he en-
tered aud kuelt just within the open door,
Yet he could see the sacred Tabernacle,
where alone the Christians strength is found.
When he arose from his knees, he knew that
God had heard his prayer. He no longer muir
mired against His providence, no longer
oetied at being an Instrument in His unseen
designs.
Ellen was kneelng in front of the altar.
she bad been to confessions, and
making her thanksgiving at her Suviours feet
pouring out her hopes and fears, her Joys and
sorrows into His Sacred Heart.
What innocent, bright visions of future hap
ptness We're slorifed by the light shining from
His throne! What hidden sorrows were sane
titled by the teachings of The Voice heard only
in her soul! What beautiful gems of faith,
meekness, hope, were gathered up from out
that Holy OF HOLES! What lessons of patience
and endurance she learned from Him who had
given her all that heart could ask
ONell waited till she came towards the door,
and then, meeting her, he said simply: ii
came here to find you, Ellen, because only here
could have strength to tell, or you to hear
what have to say"
He knew, by the first look she gave, that her
heart went out to him for whom it was but now
80 fondly praying.
With c'asped hands, and face growing
y hitter ever moment. she staggered against the
doorway and whispered: Tell me-every-
th ]! g.m.n,s- r,,,.n , , 49,, c,,
guidance and support for all your future way.
II that way is to be forever darkened can Won
not love and trust Him still 7"
HIS voice was SO deep and earnest, so calm
listening TO the voice of her director--of him
who, in Gods name, had just hidden her ego
in peace"
And there ,cas peace upon them both. Even
IS the lamp before the altar, which tlickered
though it never paled, SO within their hearts
Ourned undimmed the light of His promise
That earths weary-hearted shall find rest in
Him.
He told her all he knew How the flag of
truce had brought the dreadful news that ten
innocent men were to be shot because one, "A
Union man, had mysteriously disappeared, and
the day Of doom, of terrible retaliation was
already fixed. and h" was one of the lated ten
:" Is there no HOPPER She whispered, with
pallid lips.
W no can nope anything from u man like
General Mcneil! Only the soul of a fend
could suggest plan SO crucl--sn iuhumau.~
"The missing man may return There was
l vail in he words as she moancd them forth.
% lie may. Bnt there is little hope"
He wondered how this would end CouII
she stand there much longer, questioning him
with those fearless eyesi Could human conr-
ise bear up against this strange, fearful, ir- |
'emedia5,e woe3 lie was ANSWERED. even as !
he Thought crossed bis mind.
"O'Neil. ONeil! II ! could only see him |
,ncc again" That was the one, solitary hone
hat had kept her from siukiu.: at his feet.
-" will try. God helping, yoy-sjaU see him, |
illen.' ''''''
She knelt before lim - there in the dim
'cstIhHie OF -. rI'rrls-iud, Srtz W hi. |
lands, covered them with kisses aid Inui,Tcn !
hem with tears.
paoH, sll""j, loving Ellen. Shr had cher
r'G.t tHh memory Of tie pa,t 80 long: She had !
.Ie.dDd 50 inn"erntly to the promise of tn,
h'nic, tint III, Sudden, present woe swcpt |
way all rtId'', reserve aud silence, aud bowed
Icr :" Tie "nsth.
:: li"mctlhrr, Ellen" spoke O'Ncil. SINKING
III hie knees brsju" her and pointing tn,ynrl, |
he distant altar " N0e lies our strength. orr
i"pe, our only and Let us implorr IIir, TO en- |
'ble us to bear whatever He wills, even to tn. |
utter end
Amen" she whispered, bowinr her head
everently to his noble thoughts, and razinr |
'ack through the shadowy aisle AS IF IN !
gather once more tho light brart elne,S o,,d