The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1875-01-24
NUMBER 81.

more powerful than France. So implore You
dry your tears. Rejoice, for blessed fatnrs
awaits us: will restore Castle wynandael
again, that We may live in 1t as in days gone
by. Then We shall again enjoy the chass,
with our falcons on our wrist. Can You not
imagine how merry our first hunting party
will be ~
An inexpressibly sweet smile and q fervsnt
kiss were Mstilda's answer. Bat on sudden Q
thought Of pain seemed to eross her mind for
her oountenanoe was overspread with gloom,
and she bent her eyes on the ground, like one
who is overcome by shame.
Robert looked ct her inquiringly, and asked
Matilda, my child, why is your countananse
60 suddenly overcast with ssdnessf
The maiden only half raised her eyes, and
answered with low voice:
"But-my father-you say nothing Of Adolf !;
why did he not como with youf"
There was g slight pause before Robert re-
piled. He discerned that, unknown to herself,
aprofound feeling was Numbering in Matllda's
heart; therefore not without design he an.
swered her thus:
Adolf is detained by his duty, my child;
fugitives are scattered over the plain, and I
believe he il pursuing them. Imay say to yon.
Matilda, that our friend Adolf IL the most
valiant and the most noble knight know.
Never have / seen more manliness and i'm
trePidity. Twice be saved the life of my
brother Guy; beneath the banner.royal of
France the enemy fell In numbers beneath his
sword; all che knights are repeating his
praises, and asoribe to him large share in the
deliversnoe Of Flanders.n
Pnha
kept his eye fixed on his daughter, and
scrutinized every emotion that fitted across
her expressive features. He read therein Q
mingled pride and rapture. and had no furthsr
doubt that his conjecture was we'll founded.
Maria, the while, stood with her eyes fxed ON
Robert, and drank in with eager Joy the
praises which he bestowed so Iavlshly on her
brother.
While Matilda was gazing on her father In 0
transport of bliss, there was heard suddenly
confused noise OF voices in the court OF the
monastery. After few moments all was
again still; . then the door OF the cell opened,
and Coy entered slowly and with disturbed
he came near to his brother, and
said:
"a great disaster has befailen ne, my
brother, in the loss of one who 10 most dear to
MS al; the men Of Client found him on the
Geld of battle, lying under q heap Of stain, and
they have brought him here into the monas-
terry. His life trembles on bis lips, and
think the hour of his death cannot 10 very far
distant. He anxiously begs 60 see yon once
more ere he quite this world wherefore
pray you, my brother, grant him this last
,avor." Then, turning to Maria, he continued:
He desires TO sec you also, noble maiden"
One cry OF bitter anguish broke from the
hearts of both maidens. Matilda fell lfolesS
nto her fathers arms; and Maria Jew to the
loor, and rushed from the chamber in an
IgoDy of despair. Their cries brought two
luns into the cell, who took charge of the I'M
lappy Matilda; her father stopped and kissed
Ter, and turned to visit the dying Adolf;
When the maiden, perceiving his attention,
ore herself from the arms Of the nuns, and
Iinging to her father, cried:
"I.et me 60 with you, my father; let me seo
i'm onoo moreI Woe, woe 10 mel what
harp sword pierces my heart Ny father, /
hall die with him; 1 feel already the approach
{ death. must sec him: come, come speedily
. Is dyingl o Adolf o AdOlfp'
Robert gaEed on his daughter with tender
ompassion; no could not doubt now the exist
nee of that seerst feeling which had slowly
nd quietly taken root in his daughters heart.
he discovery gave him no pain, caused him no
ispleasure: unable to comfort her with words,
Q pressed her to his heart. Bat Matilda dis
1gaged herself from these tender bonds, and
rev Robert towards the door, crying:
40 my father, have pity on me Come, that 1
ay once more hear the voice Of my good
rother, that his eyes/may look on mo onse
lore before he dies"
She knelt down at his feet, and continued.
midst burning tears:
1 implore yOu do not reject my Pstiticn
ear me; grant IL, my lord and ny father"