The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1873-09-21
kro,og Star and Catholic Messenger.
JUVENILE COLUMN.
CLEMENTS STRUGGLES.
BY ANNA L. T. GILLIN.

VTh6 shades or evening were SaSheIips
Yer the quiet little village as Clement
nd HIS companions drove up the green
s:Do you see that large tree over yonder,
$ir," said the boy, touching Mr.. Clayton on
ayes" answered the gentleman, "~h"t
4 The mothers eyes filed with tears, and
Inc nurmured a prayer of thanks to Goo
or His wonderful preservation OF her
IA soon % the white cottage appeared in
view, O great lump rose in Clements throat,
md when Mrs. Clayton addressed him he
Was unable to make her an answer. ,,.,
He was thinking of his darling little
eents would take her away from them, and
now could they live without her.
It was tea time at the cottage, ana the
supper table was spread, ready for the
motber and her two little daughters:
Quiet, dark haired, dark eyed Blrale,
and biue.ey golden-haired, charming
Ressie. were in the neat kitchen dressed
for the evening in their plain white dresses,
Hooking as pure and bright as they reaiiy
were. -,
4 and bright smile for her daughters.
They had iuet seated themselves at the
table when Birdie rose quickly with
clad light in her beautiful black eyes,
as tie sound of wagon wheels 'oioke Oh hei
HWhat's the matter dear 7" asked her
mother as the girl left the table.
HClement has come, mother :" and
& away she flew followed by her mother ana
"Ciement leaped from the wagon, and
leaving Mr.. Clayton to assist his wife to
4 alight, he opened the gate just as the 1rons
4 door was thrown open and Birdie ana
q Bessie, with his mother. ran OUT TO meet
q him.
Mrs. Ward took her son in her arms,
and welcomed him home, while Birdie
elung to him and wept qniet tears of joy.
q wild impulsive Bessie danced about him
like bird. o,....,.
they did not notice Mr.. and Mrs Clayton:
The lady pazed at Birdie, and the sweet
feeling that swept over her heart told that
! abe at last beheld her long lost child.
Clement introduced his mother 10 the
strangers. Mrs. Ward led them into the
pleasant parlor, and Clement remained
with the girls. %
the door and called Birdie. There was
a tremor in her voice, and her eyes were
| red and swollen as though from excessive
"Birdie, my dear child, you are about
to learn something which fondly hopeo
at this late day you would never near
Eight years ago Clement was re ., IN
from Mr.. GliDton's and passing the oit
oak tree he heard q moan, and stoPp1n;
to learn from whence it came, he discover
ed a large bundle, which on opening prov
ed to be sweet little girl abont two year
old. She had been stolen by the g,Gsii 'a
and every inquiry was made to Ind ne
friends, but with no success. Yesterda
Clement discovered the child's parent
without an effort on his own part, an
now comes the hardest part, a duty Whlc
tears my heart with sadness. Deal o.
the child Clement found under the tre'
There's your father and mother, 90 an
embrace them my darling, for they hav
long incurred for you, and l."
She could say no more, for her 7ole
For moment the child gazed at hi
with eyes distended with wonder, the
throwing her arms about her neck, 81
elung to her and sobbed convulsively.
"Ohl mother, mother what are you So!
ingf What do you meant Not yos
child ! oh mother do You want to oFea
heart Z"
IsNo, darling, God forbid that won
ever cause that tender heart one pain, o.
what I tell yon is true. Go and kiss yo'
mother, dear"
The sobs shook her slender form, but
last che withdrew herself from Mrs. ware
embrace, and approached Mrs Clayton.
ssWon't you kiss your motner' biroIe
Something in the gentle voice, toucn
the girls heart, for she kissed her moth
and let her head rest on her breast, as e
mother drew her closely to the heart tn
had hungered for her so long.
"This is your father, my dau gutter" ."
the lady, as the father bent his head
eareRs his child.
Clement and Bessie were called, a
their plans talked over, ouo
At lenght it was settled that Cleme
was to accept situation IN MT Claylo
store, and the rest of the family we're
live with the Clay tons at Clay ton Hall.
Birdie was now o great heirees, and W
heart filled with love and charity,
went abuut as ministering angel amo
the sick and poor.
Clement rose rapidly in his position,
when he had entered his 22nd year, he y
taken as partner in the firm.
Brisht-eyed, laughing Bessie, en Mt
the convent, and she 10 now one Vi of
Mary.
Birdie has converted her mother
father to the Catholic faith, and they
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