The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1875-02-07
MESSENGER SUNDAY FEBRUARY


with mattings Of straw and hemp, around it
were arranged ride wooden chairs, bigh-backed
and low seated, lo~ pine table upon which
burned large metal lamp, and a leathern
arm chair, like those seen in the BARRIERS shops
of the region, completed the simple furniture
of the ROOM In the alcove were seen very
high bed, over which was spread white
counterpart with well starched To Mes a very
high cedar chest, with supports underneath to
preserve it from TIE dampness of the door; a
small table OF the same wood, upon which, in
it's case of mahogany and glass, was a beauti-
full image of "Our Lady of Sorrows" some
pious offerings, and the Mystic Garland; or,
Lives of the Saints" by Father Baltasar Bosch
| Centellas.
As soon as they were all reunited, includiu &
Pedro, the negbbor aud friend of Anna, the
latter began to Tecite the rosary. When tie
prayers were finished, Anna took up her distaff
to spin, Elvira applied herself to her knitting
and Pedro, who occupied the grea: chair,-em-
ployed himself in the prepar alton of a cigar
cite; Perico il roasting chestnuts and acorns,
which, when they were done, re gave to Rita,
who ate them.
did you ever {" said Perico, "how the rain
the sky to brass. Last year at this time it had
raIned SO much that the ground could not be
seen for the grass that covered it,"
1T is true" said Uncle Pedro, land now the
focks are perishing with hunger, notwith-
standing that last year their table " as SO well
spread"
''1t appears to me-" added Elyira, in her
sweet voice, that it is going to rain soon.
The river wore its black frown to-day, and the
old people say that these frowns are sleeping
tempests which, when the winds awaken them.
drench the world"
"of course i is going to rain" said Rita:
81 saw tonight the star of the waters which
the storm brings for lantern"
at is going to rain" confirmed Maria,
aroused from her dose by the abrupt and clear
voice of her daughter "my rheumatic pains
announce it TO me. Indeed, wind aud rain
are the fruits of the season, and they are heed
I'd. But am sorry for the poor herdsueu
who pass such nights in the inn of the STATS"
Don't trouble yourself about them, Maria
said the jevial Uncle Pedro, who had ALWAYS a
laying, provesb story, or something, to
BRING in support Of whatever he asserted. ain
his world habit is everything, aud that which
Gems disagreea5le 10 one, another finds quite !
o his liking custom makes all level as the |
ca and glds all like the su. There was
nee shepherd that got married to a girl as
ovely as a rose, and as chance would have it,
n the very night of the wedding there arose
uch tempest as if all the imps from beneath
ad been abroad with thunder and lightning,
urIicane and flood. II was too much for the
hepherd ; he abandoned his bride and rushed
the window exclaimng as he dashed it
pen, % blessed night. why am l not ont to
ajoy thee"
1.-THE bride might we'll be jealous of such
VAL" said Rita, bursting into loud laugh.
The clock struck nine, they Ieci,ed the "aui-
as, and soon afterwards separated
When the mother and her children were left
one Elvira spread clean cloth upon the
BILE and placed upon it a dish of salad
ma and her daughter began 10 sup, but d
rico remained seated With his head Inclined Z
er the brasier absently stirring with the
oSel the few Goals which still glowed among L
e ashes.
Arc you not going TO eat your supper, Peri
! SAID his sister, extending toward him the u
e white bread which ste herself had kuead-
1 am not hungry" he answered, without
ting his head. g
Are you sick, my son 7" asked Anna q
No, mother" he replied.
The supper was finished in silence, and when la
ira had gone out, carrying the plates, Peri v,
abruptly said to his mother: VI
Mother, am going to Utrera tomorrow to
list with the loyal Spanish who are prepar. III
to defend the country" o'
ma was thunderstruck. Accustomed tn ~
docile obedience Of her SOC, who had never Ae
ed to keep his word, she said to him: '"
10 the war! That is to say that you are
ng to abandon us. Bot it cannot be; You Az
st not doit ! You ought not to leave your s et
ther and sister, and will not give my con- ~
t." ca
Mother" said the young man, exasperated.
Is seen that you always have something to %.
ose to my desires; you have subjected NV va
!, and now you wish to fetter nv arm bnt oN
her." he proceeded, growing excited. and
elled by The two greatest motives which LII
rule man-patriotism in all its purity. IL,
love in all its ardOr, mother, l am TWEEN. =
"o years old, and have strength enough wa
reak if Won forca TO-