The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1874-09-27

would make me still more unhappy here on
eartb," and other like words, which, uncon-
scious of being heard, she murmured to herself
behind his couch,-Adolf had heard and I'M
derstood all, though totally unable to reply.
Meanwhile. during the bygone night there
had taken place a marked change for the bet
ter in the wounded knights condition. Nature
after long struggle, had thrown him into
deep sleep, from which he awoke refreshed,
and with new=fife and vigor; the sigh which
broke from him at the moment of awaking
was louder and longer than any breath which
| he had yet drawn since he received his wound.
And now, to Matilda's no little astonishnient,
as soon as she had taken the cup from his lips,
he thus addressed her, in distinct, though
| feeble, voice:
80 noble lady my guardian angel!
thank my merciful God for the comfort which,
through you, He has given me! Am worthy,
lady, that your illustrious hand should thus
kindly have smoothed my pillow thousand
blessings you, for your tender care of poor
knight ~
| For moment the maiden's surprise and
pleasure were too much for words; but
recovering herself, and remarking how much
progress he had so suddenly made, in a trans
port of delight she clasped her bands together,
while she gave vent to her feelings in loud cries
of joy.
"Ha! now, indeed, you will get we'll, Sir
Adolf" she exclaimed now need no longer
be all sadness now shall at all events have
brother to comfort me
Then, as if on the instant recalling some
thing which for moment she had for
gotten, she checked herself suddenly, her
countenance assumed a grave expression,
and she threw herself upon her knees be-
fore the crucih1 at the head of the
bed. There with joined hands she poured
forth long thanksgiving to the Lord, who
had brought back her friend and brother Adolf
from the shadow of death.
Then rising, she once more fixed her eyes on
the knight, and in glad voice said to him:
Keep still, Sir Adolf and move not that
is what Master Roger strictly epjoins you"
"What have you not done. for me, illustrious
daughter of my lord " replied Adolf. &C. How
constantly have your prayers sounded in my
ears how often has your voice of comfort
cheered my heart! Yes in my half-conscious-
ness it seemed to me though of Gods
angels was standing by my bedside, and ward
ing off death from it; an angel that propped
my head, that quenched my burning thirst
with cooling drinks, that constantly assured
me that death should not yet have dominion
over me! God grant me- health and strength
again, that may one day be able to pour out
my blood for you"
Sir Adolf" answered the maiden, "you
have risked your life for my father; you love
him as love him; does it not, then, become
me to care for you for brotherf The an
gel you was, without doubt, st. Michael
to whom have constantly prayed in your be
half Now 1 will hasten and call your good
sister Maria, that we may rejoice together ove
your better health"
She then left the knight, but in few mo
! ments returned, accompanied by his sister 10.
at this sudden improvement in Adolfs condi
ton was visible not only upon her countenanc
. but in her whole air and bearing. Her move
ments were quicker and lighter, her tears nj
i longer flowed, and now she could find Cheerful
words for her favorte. Immediately on he
return to the room with Maria, she took he
hawk from the back of the chair upon he
hand, and SO drew near to Adolrs bed.
"My good brother!' cried Maria, kissing hi
"a pale cheek, "you are better! Now / shall b
Q rid of those frightful dreams o, how glad
ami How often have wept by your bedsid
with bitter pain of heart How often hav
thought that death could surely not be far froI
you ! But now my heart is lighter. VIII 20
= drink, my brother 7"
"No, my good Maria" answered Adolf, I"
have never had to suffer thirst, so anxiously ha
n my generous Lady Matilda cared for me. A
II soon as I am strong enough to reach st. Cros
Z "a village near Bruges, formerly q noted plac
70 of pilgrimage 1 will go and pray to God fc
IS blessings upon her head, and that sorrow m a
'r ever be far from her"
Matilda meanwhile was busily employed i
IT whispering the good news to her bird, whic
k now, seeing it's mistress in recovered spirit
d was dressing and pluming itself, and SCENE
d to be making ready for the chase.
IT "Look, my faithful friend" she said, turnin
Il the creatures head towards Adolf " look, no.
is Sir Adolf in the way of recovery, after W
g. have SO long seen him lying helpless Their
IS Now we may speak together again, and not b
:. sitting always in the dark. Our fear for hil
D is all gone; and SO methinks shall our othe
~ griefS pass away too, now that God has show