The morning star and Catholic messenger., 1873-01-26

taeo, Sok &te brave fellows whose expt0See Shd:t
ssa.ts (rsos 81 giants) were oil clsmoring 70 be |
enrolled under the king's Aag, and to 60 forth |
aad die for the kings cause.
that hed bound them in clsser motherhood.
Francois and Gaston quarrsled Bssh wanted !
to 60. both wore equally coed for the servios; !
them, declared they must decide for them- |
selves.s Tho only wsy to do this was to defer !
1t to the cure. They walked off to the church. |
s.rrss words Of . sna s1ho1sa
tion TO throng of men and women, the men
e1ulsing, the women weeping, but all of one
their best and dearest to serve under tho ban
ner of tho four.de-lis.
Marie was kneeling close by the altar. amidst
eyes were dry, bnt dim and restless she spoke
to no one, but turned constantly toward the
door, AZ il she were Watching for some new
moasnsm. aeh sns orS'noss oaae IN @ there was
! they walked up to the altar, and hushed their
sobs to hear what they were going TO say.
| Of us may enlist, and yon are to choose between
kingf"
"Ah. my Children. what Is id you ask Of me
clasping his bands: " You are both dear to me;
would have you both fight for the king and
Mn srown OF Of glory If you fall gh1g in
the crown of the martyrs Which is the most
pure at heart, strongest in faith, most worthy
10 serve in the cause of God He atone can
,enw "
Francois! Francois !" cried many voices in
m .nIe friend, and blessed him. and bid him joy
OF being chosen for the good fight.
So be it," said the cure and Francois knelt
down, and the cure laid both hands upon his
head %a.;D and lIo blessed > e:, bim: sS
OF the scene. She was still on her knees, clasp
ing the altar.raiis with both hands SO tightly
that the strain left them white and bloodlsss.
Francois waited till the crowd had followed
M. ie Cure out of the church, and it was empty
except of tho two and then he went close up
to Marie and knelt down beside her. He did
not speak, and she did not look at hira but she
knew that it was Francois.
"Marie!' he said, and laid his hand on her
arm.
Then she turned and looked into his eves-
and these two knew that they loved each other.
"lf I fall, yoa will remember me, Marie and
pray for me-" said Francois, taking her hand in
both his.
"Yes"
And, Marie, if return-'
We will como to this same spot and bless
God together, Francois"
You will wait for me year and q days"
. :" viii wait for you to the end of my life.o
They sent up one last prayer in silence then
kissed each other and parted.
AS Francois left the church he met CASTOR
: who was seeking him in great concern every
where. The brothers walked home arm-in- arm,
dissoursing with full hearts of this sudden and
s ,iemu parting. When they entered the cot
= tage, Francois went straight to his room, and
: came ont with q small deal box iu his hand
! 'Frere" he said, haven't much to trouble
about in che way of property, bnt what have
, you will keep for me. My savings are nothing
to speak of, seven hundred francs in all ; here
is the box. should not have even that sum
f but for tho sale of tho cattle at Easter. Do
the best you can for me with it; lay it out in
| stock. or grain-whatever brings mostuas times
, 60. The sheep were the best Investment the
last two fairs; wish had done more in that
line but / was never overwise with my m noney
aud this will thrive better in your hands than
in mine, Jrere; only weuld rather you didn't
let it lie ont long at tune, as you do with
: yeur own; gather it in soon after good stroke
4 and let it grow till it's a good sum !; it's not
= in any business
q Gaston's astonishment had grown to stupe.
! faction by the time his brother had brou ght
this speech to an end: What did il mean, this
: mulatef Francois had all his life been as oare
= lsss OF louts-dor as of carrots or apples, and
}, gave them away as readily for the asking; and
y now that he was about to face the cannon, and
a stood strong chance Of never needing them
. again, he was smitten with an insane desire to
Q have them increase and multiply: Though
a CASTOR said nothing, Francois read this wonder
= | in his eyes. a-.5 -
|. "Don't think I've put my heart in the
}. mon ey," ho said, aying hand CASTOR.
a shoulder, and locking wistfully into his face
= III band it to You for your own, to do as you
. liked with it if were alone in the world but
). Tn not, free. pve another to think of now
r He drew away his hand, and averted his fac.
# quickly, but CASTOR saw his lip quiver and the
:, drops gather in his brave, truthful eyes. HI
saw it all at glance, and follow the recruit.
n hgure, as it disappeared again into his room
. with jan expression on his face that it was bot
| ter for both Francois did not see; if he hat
:. looked at his brother then he would have read
:. secret that would have pierced his heart lik.
y Sword CASTOR stood staring after him as il
: he had been turned to stone his features fierce
l. a. hard set, the veins in his forehead swell
y ing and throbbing, all his frame shaken by .
~ | vehement struggle. CASTOR mastered it hi,
!. face relaxed. aud he went in after Francois
:. frcre," he said, you may trust me-" ant
g held out his hand to him.
: with a puzzled smile.
~ ~ "TrusG thee!" he repeated. Gas if needed
- thy pledge for that Brother, trust thee al
trnst my soul"
y "And, Jrere, Monsieur le Cure said lust
6 now, the best and purest are chosen for tht
l. sacrifice if"
= "Itre DeI ct te Roi" cried Francois, raising