The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1874-11-29
a1srnIne Star and Catholic Messenger.
Hgw ORLEANS SUNDAY NOVEMBER 90, 1874


ing his comrades with words encouragement
Occasionally he would himself take the axe In
hand from ono of his butchers; and then, as he
hewed away to the astonishment of all that
saw him, one of the largest trees would
speedily fall under his vigorous blows.
On the left of this open space stood @ mag
nifcent tent of sky-blue cloth, with silver
fringe. At its summit hung a SHED, showing
black lion on q golden field, and thus denoting
tho abode of member of the princely house OF
Flanders. Here IL was that the Lady Matilda
was for the present lodged, under the spec'ai
protection of the guilds, to which she had CON-
naitted herself. Two ladies of the illustrious
house of Renesse had left their home in
Zealaud to attend upon her and bear her COM
pany; and in no respect did she want for any
thing. The most sumptuous appointments, the
most costly apparel had been amply supplied
for her use by the noble Zealander. Aparty OF
butchers, axes in hand, stood on either side OF
tho tent as body guard to the young countess.
Tho Dean of the Clothworkers was pacing up
and down before the entrance, apparently i'm
mersed in thought, with his eyes bent upon Inc
earth. The guard looked on at him in silence;
net q word was spoken among them, out OF
deep respect for the meditations Of the man
who was so great and noble in their eyes.
The object of his thoughts was plan for
general encampment. Hitherto, for the better
convenience of provisioning, he had dis
tributed the whole force into three divisions.
Tho butchers and the various other guilds were
encamped at Damme, under the command of
Breydel Dean Lindens 10y with two thousand
Clothworkers at Sluys; and Deconinck him
self, with two thousand men of the same guild
Mt Ardenburg. But he was far from satisfied
with this scattered disposition of the forces,
and would gladly have seen the whole re-
united into one corps before the arrival of Guy
TO take the supreme command. 1t was for this
reason that he was now at Damme; and his
consultation with Breydel being concluded, he
was waiting till he should be admitted to pay
his respects to the daughter of his lord.
While he walked, thus meditatipg on his
project, the portion of hanging that formed
the door of the tent was drawn on one side
and Matilda stepped slowly forward over the
carpet that was spread before it. Her counte
nance was pale, and expressive of mucl
languor her steps seemed to totter under her
and she leaned for support on the arm of tn
young Adelaide of Renesse, who accompanies
her. Her dress was rich, but plain; for sh
had laid aside all ornament, and the only jewe
she wore was the golden plate upon her breast
> with the Black Lion of Flanders enamelled o
it.
Immediately on her appearance, Deconinc
uncovered his head, and stood before her in n
attitude of deep respect. sweet smi
lighted up the gloom with which the maiden
features were overcast; for it was wit
pleasure that abe beheld the firm and faithf
friend of her house and country, and with
faint voice she thus addressed him:
"welcome, Master Deconinck, my GOO
friend; how is it with youf With me, you Sc
il is ill enough. Every breath draw is pal
full to me but I cannot always keep my ten
the narrow room oppresses me. have COZ
cut to see my fathers loyal subjects at the
work,--if, indeed, my feet will carry me SO fa
and you, Master Deconinck, shall accompa
me- have many things to ask you; and
pray you, answer truly to my questions.
hopo to find in your discourse some refres
ment for my weary heart. There is no ne
for the guards to follow MS. Ali the brig
morning sunshine does me good. 1t chez
me-"
Ghe moved forward with Deconinck by
side, who replied to her inquiries as til
walked along. With that admirable tact q
FACILITY of expression by Whlcn ne was q
tipguished, he continued to suggest matter
consolation and cheerful hope, and SO for
while dispelled the heavy melancholy Il
weighed upon her spirits. Every where,
she passed, the guildsmen greeted the You
girl with loud expressions of homage and
lection, and soon one universal shout of "Lc
live the Lady Matilda! long live our no
Lions daughterw resounded through
wood. Matilda felt genuine thrill of joy
she received these testimonies of warm 8
loyal attachment to her father and her faith
house and approached the Dean of
Butchers with gracious smile.
master Breydel," she said, 81 have been
Eicing you from afar. You really labor har
than the lowest of your guildsmen W
seems to be pleasure to YOU"
iLady," answered the delighted Brey'
Ewe are making 'good-days' for the delivera
IofO fha