The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1872-01-14

1t was terrible trial for love and youth. but
/ the temptation was overcome by nooicr
| tho1ghts and he knew that love must bs sacri-
| thy Of his bride, if he but proved trns TO Ms
II Vim soy good-sy. so-morrow.,, ... his?
anguish and suspense, be soothed BY the anti
ciPation Of our next meeting. She has enough
to bear alreadyw
| OF his mother came upon him and made him
quail before the pain he know he must infict
upon her.
BILE, determined not to disturb her, should she
have retired for the night; but as his step lin
gered near her door, he heard her calling. him
by name Entering the room, he found that
she had risen from her chair and leaning on
her crutch, awaited him with outstretched,
trembling arms.
With one bound, no stood before her. and as
her head fell upon his breast, no asked her ten
"What 10 it, mother dearest mother!"
There came NO answer for . moment, the
dear head leaned moro heavily and the fond
arms held him still moro closely.
Holding her there ON his bosom, gazing down
on her frail and slender figure, feeling by the
trembling tre, Of his own, strong arms how pow
nights news had come to her and that her
mother-lOve was struggling with her sense
Of honor, patriotism, pride.
and quivered at the dread sacrifices demanded
Of you and yet how nobly, grandly. were
yonr treasures offered mp upon the shrine of
Poor, trembling, weeping Mrs. Dudley your
great anguish was but one feeble link in the
boundless chain of suffering that stretched
around our Southern land and bound all hearts
In one.
ON ashamed of this, my sem" she said at
last, raising her pale face from his breast and
drawing him towards her chair. He knelt, as
he had done 80 often before, on the foetstool
near her and waited for her to speak. Man
though he was, he knew that she was stronger
in this hour of trial than himself.
my boy my boy" she said. carressingly,
passing her hands over his hair and letting
them fall helplessly- upon his shoulder.
She saw the anguish in his face and it inspired
her with noblest courage.
my herow
She smiled so proudly upon him, that his
heart rose high with exultation.
by your words q man, indeed! have now no
other wish than to become more worthy of
your love and PRIDE"
"You leave tomorrow, Williei"
How strong she was! No lnmentation, no
:To-morrow, mother-as early as can get
| off: But what will become Of Leonora now 7"
| can You not trust her to God and mel
II do! do ~ Then turning towards vernet's
| magic canvass, he exclaimed:
The storm has burst upon mother J"
"Yes my son. But the path of honor and
| the beacon-light of truth will guide us to the
port OF peace and joy at last!'
For few moments, Willie sat gazing at the
| picture rs though striving to allay the grief
that, tempest-like dashed his soul
| His mothers voice came as an echo to his
tho1ghts;
will be oil to her that You can ask, and while
your father lives, his home will be open to
your loved one and her mother.
II felt that you would do all this but your
aSsy1r cat a1raa me han
Kate and Blanche packed L only an hour ago
garments furnished, for their tears fell over
them like rain"
He stopped and hid his face upon her hands,
for ne knew with what heroic effort she was
Your father waits for you in the Library,
Willie need not tell you how the news of
Leonora's affection and your sudden departure
wrung his generous heart"
must go to him, mother"
t. Yes, my darling; but before you leave me,
give me your parting word, your farewell kiss.
and the actual pain of separation may take all
fortitude away. Goodnight! goodbye! God
bless youw
pressed her lips upon his, elasped his hands in
hers and gazed with all mothers love into
his tender eyes. long, long gaze as
though striving to imprint upon her memory
the last, yearning expression of his love for
| AS he left the room and the door closed
silently behind him, she bowed her head upon
her hands, and one great, passionate sob, be-
| trayed all her pent up agony and Tenderness
and fear: "My first born and my only SON"
! CHAPTER XIV.
| Partings.
The next morning at early dawn, while the
dew was still upon the grass and flowers, and
| the sky was just family tinged with rose, Will
lie Dudley stood within, Mrs. S.anton's fra
grant, orange grove.
] Everything was quiet about the honse and
grounds, and he knew that member of the
| family had as yet arisen.
He had come with the hope of seeing Leo
nora and bidding her farewell but had also
| determined not to disturb her, should she
still be unconscious of his near departure.
LET her sleep on" he said to himself, "per-
haps she is dreaming now of our next meeting.
Why awaken her to sad and stern realities ~
He stopped and plucked white rosebud,
shining most bewitchingly through it's veil of
glittering dew-drops.
He thought to carry it with him as a souvenir
of her, whom in his tender, loyal heart it typi-
| fed 80 well.
| 81 will write to her and tell her that came
to see her, but tore myself away rather than