The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1874-11-22
TIL {.
LION OF FLANDERS:
THE
BATTLE OF THE GOLDEN SPURS.
BY HENDRIX CONSCIENCE.
fContinued.t

tContnued.1
Count Robert having thrown aside his in
cognito unwillingly, and solely under the
pressure of necessity, was still anxious to
restrict the knowledge of his presence within
the narrowest possible circle; he therefore
made no reply for the moment to the physi-
! clans recommendations, but returning with
his companions to Matilda's side, sat gazing in
silent sorrow upon the pale and seemingly life
less form of his child. Soon her lips began to
| move, and she uttered from time to time half.
audible sounds. Presently she drew q deeper
breath; and twice the sweet word "father"
distinctly articulated, struck tho listening ear
of the Count. long kiss imprinted on the
opening lips expressed the parents delight,
and FASTENED the maiden's awakening; her
blood seemed again to flow, the color returned
to her lips, and began even family to tinge her
cheeks, while her eyes opened to the light with
a soft and cheering smile.
1t would be impossible to describe the ex-
preston of the maiden's countenance at the
sight which met her returning consciousness;
she did not speak, but raised her arms as
though to throw them about hor fathers neck |
who, in his turn, bent to meet her fond |
embrace. Yet her manner of greeting him was |
not such as he expected; with fondliug ten.
derness she pressed both her hands over his
face, and then gently stroked his cheeks; for
the moment father and daughter seemed to be
lost in one absorbing dream of happiness. Nor
were the bystanders, in their measure leas
affected by the moving spectacle; they looked
On in profoundest silence cautiously suppress
ng every sound or movement that might dis
urb scene of almost solemn interest. 1t was
curious, however, to observe how differently
he several persons gave expression to their
ceilings. John of Namur, who had most COM
nand over himself, stood gazing before him
Williams of Juliers, the priest, with Bonded .
;nees and folded hands, sought composure in
rayer; while, to judge from their varying G
estures, and the changeful working of their
Sir Guy and Jan Breydel l
eemed to be swayed alternatively by fierce /
esires of vengeance and the tenderest emo a
ons of sympathy. Deconinck, usually SO cold p
appearance, was now tho most deeply n
owed of all ; stream of tears flowed from u
1der the hand with which his eyes were
reened. No living heart in Flanders beat CT
ore warmly for his honored lord than that of IN
6 patriotic Clothworker of Bruges all that az
longed to the greatness of his father-Iand pr
Is holy in the eyes of this noble citizen. 81
At last Matilda awoke from her trance-lik pI
clasped her father in her arms, W
with faint voice gave utterance to her in
liDgs in words; to which he, on his part, in as
les of heartfelt joy, mingled however with III
row, as ardently responded. on
liz Guy now approached to welcome his
ce. an
Hap che exclaimed, but still without dar
sing her hold of her father, what is this bel
| my deer uncle Guy here, weeping over his
aud my cousin William there on his knees, ags
yingI and my uncle John of NamurI Arc har
then, at Wyuandae1 ?" "
Ny dear, unhappy niece" replied Guy, sha
y heart is ready to break to behold you and
;; let me too embrace you, it will be some will
Walton Of my grief" and he tenderly drew 1t
from her fathers arms into her own. kpo
len, somewhat rising her voice, she said: and
Come, my good cousin of Juliers, do you too wee
me kiss and you too, my kind uncle A
l." tran
lbs, as If once more within the bosom Of tan,
family, she seemed to forget her sorEows evca
nomsnss and to catch . passing CLEAN q Zoo
cl3 - ham ias ERs ~ "a IN y f,.ss