The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1874-11-22
NUMBER IT..

liam OF Julers approached sho regarded bin
with astonishment from head to foot, and ex
claimed:
Why, how is this uncle Williamf You. q
servant of God. in harness, aud with sword bv
your side"
The priest who is in arms for his country is
IN his holy calling I" was the reply.
Deconinck meanwhile, and Breydel, stand
ing with uncovered heads at little distance
from the couch, participated in the general
Joy. Deeply grateful for the faithful affection
they had exhibited towards her, Matilda again
are" her fathers head to her BOSOM and whia-
pered in his ear:
"Will you promise me one thing, my dearest
fatherip
"What is it, my child 1t will be delight
to me to fulfil any wish of yours"
Well, then, forget not, pray you, to re-
ward these two good and faithful subjects &C.
oording to their deserts. Daily have they
risked their lives in the cause of our country
and our heuse"
Yonr desire shall be accomplished, INV
child. But loose your arms for moment from
my neck" he added, "that may speak with
your uncle Guy"
The two left the chamber together; and
when they had reached q convenient spot, the
Count said: any brother, it is fitting that
fidelity and affection such as these two good
citizens have shown should not be allowed to
pass unrewarded; and / am about to charge
you with the execution of my wishes in their
regard. Remember, then, that it is my desire
that, upon the first suitable occasion, with the
standard of our house unfurled, and in presence
of the guilds drawn up under arms and In bat
tie array, You confer the honor of knighthood
upon Peter Deconinck and Jan Breydel, that
Ill may know that it is love for our country
which confers the best patent of nobility.
Keep this command secret until the time ar
ives for performing it. And not lot us rejoin
he rest; for it is high time that should DO
one"
They now returned together to the chamber,
nd Robert, approaching his daughter, took
er hand in his. my child" he said, lyon
now by what means have obtained this
emporary freedom; a generous friend is risk
ng his life by taking my place the while.
-eld not to sadness, my Matilda strive, like
10, TO bear with patience, aud -"
% know too well what you would say" che
lterruptedi "you are about to leave meW
You have said it, my noble child; must
turn to my prison. have pledged my faith
Id honor to remain only one day in Flanders.
ut weep not, these evil days will soon be
.er."
" will not weep,-that were o grievous sin.
give thanks to God for this consolation which
, has sent me, and will endeavor to deserve
renewal of such happiness by prayer and
thence. Go, my father; one kiss more, and
~ all the holy angels be with you on your
Iyw
Deans said Robert, turning TO tue two
liens, " to you / intrust the command OF the
n of Bruges, to Master DecOninck especially,
leaders of the forces. But first,
y you to secure the services of some good
trusty tire-woman for my daughter, and
vide her with other clothing. Take her
h You hence, and defend her from all wrong;
, your charge commit her, to be cared for
becomes the blood from which she springs.
Iter Breydel, be pleased to bring my horse
into the yard"
he Count now took leave of his brothers
of his cousin, and 0gain embraced his
ghter, fixing q long and tender look upon
as though seeking to imprint her image in
memory. She, too, kissed him again and
n, ciaspinR him in her arms, as IL she could
ly make up her MUD to let him go.
Be comforted, my child, he continued; az
soon return, trust, for good and ali
in few days Your good brother Adolf
be with you again"
)h, tell him to make haste then,
Y, be will give wings to his horse Go now,
God be with you, dear father IL will not
:"
last tho parting was ended, and the
Of = -.
J. Her father was NO sooner gone, how
than Matilda forgot her promise, and
Of team rolled down her eheeia. YET