The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1874-11-15

army is the maintenance of his dominion in
Flanders. The time of assembling is appoint
ed for the close of June; so that one month
more, and our enemy will have seventy sAou-
sand men in the field. Consider, therefore,
whether it is not advisable that the day of our
liberation should anticipate his preparations,
lest afterwards We find it too late Remember,
however, that am but giving you inform alton
and advice; lay commands upon you for
tomorrow must return to my prison."
There could be no difference of opinion as to
the Importance of this intelligence; it was
therefore unanimously agreed that the utmost
expedition was necessary, and that the plan of
operations must be modified accordingly. 1t
was decided that all should proceed immess
diately to cooperate with Deconinck at
Damme, taking with them such forces as they
could get together on the spur of the occasion.
The young Guy, as, in Roberts absence, the
next representative of the house of Flanders,
was to take the chief command of the army,
William of Juliers declining the office, as in
compatible with his ecclesiastical character
and John Of Namur being unable personally to
join the Flemings, as his presence at home at
this juncture was indispensable for the defence
of his own territories. The latter, however,
undertook to furnish a considerable contipgent
of men.
The mobiles now separated, and Robert was
left alone with his two brothers, his cousin
William, and the Dean of the Clothworkers.
80 Guyw he began, in tone of the deepest
grief, o John 1 bring you tidings 80 terrible
that my tongue can hardly find words to utter
them, and the mere thought of them blinds
my eyes with tears. You know how basely
Queen JOANNA threw our poor Philippa into
prison: how for six long years the unhappy
maiden sighed in the dungeons of the Louvre,
| far from all she loved. Doubtless You think
that she still lives, and continue to pray to
God for her releose. Alas your prayers are in
| vain; my poor sister has been poisoned and
her body cast into the Seine"
For moment Guy and John of Namur lost
all power of speech; they stood pale and con-
founded, their eyes fixed on the ground. Guy
was the first to rouse himself from his stupor.
1t is true, them" he exclaimed, <" Philippa
is dead! o soul of my sister, look down upon
me, and read in my bosom how my heart
mourns for you, how it burns to avenge your
death I-yes, and you too-shall be avenged;
| torrents of blood shall expiate your wrongs"
LET not your grief thus carry you away,
| my fair cousin" interposed William "mourn
for your sister, pray for her souls repose, but
let Your sword be drawn only for the freedom
of our country. Blood cannot bride the jeal-
| GUS grave to restore its victim"
| "My brothers," interrupted Robert, " and
you, my cousin, be pleased to follow me; will
| lead you to my poor child Matilda She is not
far from here, and on the way have other
matters of serious import to communicate to
you. Let your attendants wait for you here"
Robert now related to them the wonderful
| ~ hiol hal oa ,al l,r
from the French soldiers, and all the anxiety
and anguish he had undergone within the
ruins Of Nieuweuhove.
On entering the chamber where Matilda was
lying; they found her to all appearance in a
profound and peaceful slumber, her cheeks
white as alabaster, and her breathing i'm
perceptible that she might almost have been
taken for q corpse. Great the emotion of
the knights at the sight of the maiden with
her disordered and blood. stained dress. Filled
with sorrowful compassion, they stood with
hands clasped tightly together, bat without
uttering q word; for the physician's finger,
anxiously pressed upon his-hps, had warned
them that the most perfect silence was neces-
sary.
Guy was not, however, able altogether to
repress his feelings. "Can that be the noble
daughter of the Lion 2" burst from his lips as
in an agony of grief he threw himself upon
his brothers bosom. The physician now mo-
toned to the knights to withdraw fran the
chamber, and then at last he Enclosed his lips.
1.-The young lady," he said, " has recovered
her senses; but she still suffers greatly from
! weakness and exhaustian. She woke up in
your absence, and recognizing Master Breydel,
who stood by, she asked him many questions,
as though seeking to collect her ideas. He
comforted her with the assurance that she
should soon see her father; and as in her pres
ent state it is very unadvisable to disappoint
her, / strongly recommend you not to leave
her. Meanwhile, time should be lost in
procuring her a change CT clothes and more
fitting resting place."
| ITO be continued.l
BELLS.
U1EHU. EnFru-nrpv