The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1875-01-31
the remainder, replaced the missive in it's en-

i velop.
4 Foolish Helen ~ she said, as though talkinI
to herself; then, supper being announced
there was nothing moro said on the subject.
On Christmas Eve / called with some presents
for the children. i had promised them t,
enlist Santa Clans in their favor, and waitet
until thought they would be asleep to bring
what toys and trinkets they had told me con
6dentialiy would be acceptable. Ushered intt
the parlor, did not at FIRST perceive in tn,
dim light that some one was standing near tn,
window. The noise of the door closing CAUSED
the occupant of the room to look round, and
as she did SO, I recognized Miss Foster.
Excuse me-" managed to articulate in my
surprise; 81 did not know you had returned
or that you were expected
II was notexpected," she answered smilingly.
"But grew homesick as Christmas approached,
and astonished them all this morning at day
light. Will ynu sit down, Mr.. MorayfD And
she drew o chair forward.
Thank you," replied, "not this e1enSog.
I have merely brought some trifles for the
little ones. We are great friends. have be-
come quite at home with them during your
absence"
So Laura tells me-" che answered "and
they have not been silent either. They are
very lovable children"
Il have found them So" I rejoined 81 sup
pose they are all three dreaming of Santa Claus
at this moment. Bat must be going. Be kind
enough to present my compliments to Mrs.
Auvergne, who is probably busy this evening.
And allow me to wish You q very merry Christ
mas.n
As ceased speaking, the parlor door opened
and the mistress of the house entered, bonneted
and shawled for . walk, and accompanied by
Fred who announced himself o complete
wreck from frolic in the nursery.
Good evening, Mr.. Moray" saia the little
lady cordially. These for the children
Thank you; you are very kind; they will be
DO delighted. You see our wanderer has re-
tnrned. Is she not looking well Z Sit down,
you must not go yet. Rather late for q lady
% 60 shopping, is it mott But I want some.
hing down town, and Fred has volunteered to
accompany me. We shall not be absent long
you must stay till we return. You and Helen
re old friends, I know, and can manage to
BASS an hour pleasantly together"
tancied Helen looked at me implorngly, as
hough to say, Do go away" and venturea
o demonstrate.
II am inexorable," was the reply. "You are |
remain till we come back. Fred, take his |
loves; and Helen, ring for lights"
There was no withstandng such importantly.
but with as good grace as could
ummon, allowed myself to succumb to the
orce of circumstances. Seeing there was no
clip for it, my companion in distress took
ome fancy knitting from table near her, and
DON appeared lost in its intricacies. For fully
We minutes after the door closed on Mrs.
uvergne and her brother we sat in embarras-
ing silence-silence that at length grew un-
ndurabIe.
You are sitting too far from the fire."
aid, by way of endeavor to mend matters
there must be some draught from that window
DO"
II prefer being near the light" she answered,
'ithout looking up; "and I am not at all
old.n
Another Ave minutes of silence. What
hould I say nextf Could cit there much
niger did not think 80. felt as though 1
lust make desperate move and take my
,ave
Suddenly, pealing out upon the silent night,
heard the sound of bells. She heard them
DO, knew, for I saw her lift her head to
stem.
The Christmas Chimes" I said; chow
they sound. have heard them in
'onre and Naples; last year was in England
this season but home music has charms Pc
uiar to itself, and dearer than all other-at
sast 80 it seems to me-"
" You believe in Christmas, then, as an in
titution !" she answered smilingly, and.with q
ouch Of the old sarcasm in her voice.
Surely" replied gravely, "since believe
Christ. Inasmuch as q Catholic believes
nd reverenoes all that his church teaches and
elieves."
looked at her face to see what effect my
'ords would have, but it evinced no emotion
surprise. She answered quietly and
'suredly, as though our ways had never been +.
'parate.
Yes, We who are Catholics enjoy the
'pacity of feeling and appreciating these =.
'ings as none beside. Especially converts
lch as you and I, who have known the ex- r
prienne of |