The morning star and Catholic messenger., 1876-09-17

cealed from the eye of the spectator. The dishe
were plac. against the wall, display ing to full
| advantage their red and blue designs.
| Similar articles were common in every fisher
| mans cabin. They were obtained in excbang
| for old nets, or they were brought as gifts b,
| the young people on their return from Ireland
whither they frequently went for the sake O
| the cod fisher les.
The portion of the wall which was white
| washed was covered with pictures of saint
framed in simple and rude manner will
| paper. In one corner was bedstead enclosed
by curtains of red and white check. This wal
apparently the old mans resting place, fer th'
bed Was then empty, and across it was thrown
the overdress of fisherman.
Near the head of the bed hung q crucifix,
holy water vase and branch of blessed palm
Beside il, on a table. lay two books-one,
book of pray ers; the other, larger, much worn
| almost in shreds, bad perhaps for many year,
afforded the family of the fisherman Rn in
structive recreal ion at night after the labor o.
the day. Some of them could, therefore, read
AN uncommon thing among fishermen at thai
period.
A clock, plaster crucifix, . safe, q smAl
looking glass suspended against the wall, foul
or five common chairs, kneadipg trough, the
cover OF which answered the purpose of q
bench, spinning. wheel, these were the other
articles of utility or ornament which formed
the furniture of the humble but cheerful-look.
ing cottage of the fisherman.
For few moments the old man had seemed
absorbed in thought for he ceased his work
and held the needle motionless in his hand
Soon he reused himself from his reverie and
continued his occupation in IN abetraoted
manner. After q while his face became radiant
with joy. He listened HttentiveIy, turning his
head towards that side of the apartment where
door opened into another bedroom. The
countenance of the old man retained it's yful
expression as long as he heard the sound of
steps in the adjoining room. When the noiso
ceased, he muttered, while emilio played upon
his lips
"She is praying for me; she is ever praying
fnr GnI fba hovn
in His mercy He has left for the consolation of
q poor blind manp
He Joined his hands and bowed his head.
The door was opened slowly and noiseleSsiy v
and young girl appeared upon the threshold.
Her face was very sad but a. soon as her eye
fell upon the old man, the expression changed
to one of tender love, and brighten parted
her lips.
She was above the medium height and of
robust constitution. One could easily Judge
from her muscular arms that she was q labOrious
child of the downs, who feared not to face in.
clement weather, rough winds and seas. And
yet, hers was q remarkable beauty not such
As is called beAuty by q corrupt civilization,
but such as God probably bestowed upon the
first companion of man whose life upon earth
was to be perpetual labor and perpetual
Taus gifted with vigor both OF body and
mind, there was still about this young girl
peculiarly sweet and attractive. On
Ter cheeks appeared the tender bloom of child
rood her eyes were black her teeth Of pearly
v Vhiteness, but her particular charm lay in her
Winning smile, the simple cordialty of her
manner, and the grace and ease of every movO- |
nent.
She wore q red flannel bodice, relieved by . |
white neckerchief and Q black ekirt; . blue |
otton hat rested upon her rich dsrk-brown |
urls but this simple dress could not conceal |
he elegance of her form, and che needed no
to enhance her beauty, 80 richly and |
bad she been endowed by nature.
She stood for an in nstant in the door, then |
1u bod hA nj Fnnn and hru
Ter head, said, in q solemn manner:
"Blegs me, fAther!"
4" May God bless you, my ohildW
And passing his arm around her waist, he
rev the young girl upon his knee and kissed
or tendery.
{" An Bella" he said, in q tone of gentle ro-
roach, "yOu slept late to-day. We read for
,ng time yesterday. and you continued to read
fter / had gone to bed. You must not fatigue
our eyes too much. The light of the eyes 10
8 a second soul TO man. Be prudent, dear
hid, or shall regret that Uncle Louis taught
on to read, al hOu8h it gives me much plea
are TO listen to you"
" Poor Uncle Louis" said the young girl. al
-as dreaming of him last night. How long is
, father, since We last heart from him r.
Twelve years."
"No doubt, he perished in Iceland"
Do not despond, Bella. We have reason to
1courage the hope that God has spared him
inck returned from Iceland, he brought us the
ews that Uncle Louis had escaped shipVreck
nd that he had been taken to America. / am
1Dfdent that, some day or other, he will re-
lrn unex pectedly. We should not be aston
he'd that be leaves Us without information in
10 regard he has . good heart, but he is vo-
Itile and thoughtless as q true sailor. And
ct, Bella, my brother Louis loved us with
Dcere affection"
/" 1t seemed but yesterday that be would
lount his horse, place me on his knee, and in .
,ud, clear voice, sing come ditty, keeping time
, the tread of the animal he rode. PorhAps
. is dead, and we will mover meet sgsin on
Srth."
"BeIls, you must have slept badly last night.
he tone Of your voice 10 sad"
ar Wept much, fntbor.7
"WoPt, my ohild,-aDd whyr said the blind
an. :
!" We were reading ths tOuehiDs history ell