The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1875-01-31
THROUGH DEVIOUS WAYS.
catholic World. |
CHAPTER /.

catholic World
CHAPTER l.
was given to psychological studies in those
/ days; was fond of attributing vagaries of dis
| position and eccentrioities of temper to in
herited perversions, insurmountable In them
selves, and consequently the u,isfortunas-no,
taolts-of their possessors. At that time
| firmly believed in the mysterious attrac tion OF
soul to sonl; in the mutual recognition OF
kindred spirits, and their sympathy with eael
| other from behind the barriers of flesh and
blood. l do not say have quite abandoned
the opinion now; but there is reservation.
had dipped little into German mysticism
had sifted, as thought, all creeds to the bot
tom- all save one. For Catholicity and it's
superstitions had always entertained too
profound 3 contempt to seek to acquire a
further knowledge of it's doctrines than any
intelligent American can learn from the WELL
read ~ theologians who form its autipodes,
| and who launch forth anathemas against Rome
on high days and holidays when other subjects
weary or grow fat. I fattered myself that my
acquaintance with this particular form OF
idolatry was qnite thorough for all practical
purposes; the contamination extended no
further; and yet / believe my case would
represent that of nine tenths of the thinking,
intelligent Protestsnts of this peculiarly.
favored and grace-illumined country. 80.
It was-for me--the first party of the season.
January had almost danced itself away, and
the fashionables were beginning to anticipate
Lent; but until tonight had persisteptly re-
fused all invitations from friends and 40 uaint.
ances. OF the former had very few; 1 had
Inf k1n xNf,. IL.
of myself What wonder, when, in the great
city of New York, with its hundreds of thou
sands of throbbing hearts, there was not ons
to whom in solemn truth 1 could hold out tie
right Hand of friendship; not one upon whose
sympathies / could anchor, should the Eide of
fortune turn and leave me, Iich man to day,
the sport of her cruel waves to moy<owf
prided myself on being cynical, turning out
of the way of all stepping stoyes thar might
have led to happier ezist6nce; there was
little faith in human natpfe in my heart, 10
religion in my soul.
Dissatisfied with gS own aimless life,
eought no mirror in the lives of others aelf.
sufficient and colo, avoided kindness and sym.
pathetic associations / was just at that point
when safety add disgust render the world and
its attributes almost uncomfortable.
On the eFening before mentioned, 1 had been
INTRODUCED to young ladies by the dozen; had
mentally criticised, weighed, and found want
ing, each one upon whom I had indicted the
bphe of my company through dance. Tired
and ill-humored, was about going forward to
AXE leave of the hostess, when few words
lpoken just behind me made me pause and look
around, curious to know who the "sweet
finger" might be.
It was woman's voice, clear and sweet, and |
he words were, "No, thank you; never |
lance the round dances"
But q surging crowd Of feverish walters
rifted by me ct the moment, Is the delirious
trains of Strsuss's Eamora foated up from the
'alcony, and the face wOuld have scanned
Tas lost amid The throng.
As moved off little from the dancers, and
ratched cheeks Aush and bright eyes grow
Fighter ct the call Of voluptuous music,
Ould not but wonder Of the inconsistency of
Ite and fortune that had brought into this
ltra fashionable gathering Lady, certainly
oung, and probably beautiful, who "did not
anee the round dMces"
passed into the adjoining room. Several of
10 walters, tired and heated, had left the |
DIVIDED sGGon before me; here and there o n
ray wall flower tried to look unconscious and
lppy in the midst Of desolatiOn; bnt my eye
psychological wandered in vain mp and down, {
eking face that would seem to indicate the /,
yner of the voice heard q few moments {
fore. At length a very young girl issued
om gronp that had been standing near an =
zen window, and, Is marked the expression
her faultlcss mouth and sofE blue eyes, /
I'd to myself "That is the one" Bnt a. the
oment gay young west-P Pointer stepped for !