The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1876-12-24

grew deeper and deeper.
what will become Of usr she thought;
" What shall dof'
There was one source of comfort left, and
only one, she could 60 that Christmas night 70
surely that little Babe of Bethlehem would be
kind to her; surely He would give her on this
His birth-night what she asked for 80 sne Ar
ranged all that her mother required and pre-
pared to go, with the simple faith of little
child,
just as she was leaving the house Lilly
sEoke and cried feebiy. Gertrude tried 10 hush
"Gsrty,B the child mosued. al am hungry,
want something nicsi give me something TO
eat!'
May God help every heart tortured by such a
prayer, when the prayer is made in vain
Gertrude clasped the little one more closely
my darling" she said. "you know who was
born for us to- night"
Yes" replied the child quietly.
"well,r said Gertrude, I'VE are very poor. so
poor Lilly, that we have not food to eat. lie
is the King of riches, and am going to HIM
to ask hi IN for all we want" go
Are Won going now :" asked the child, with
the sIme simple, earnest face her sister r., had.
Yes; as soon as you are wiling To lie DOWN
ia the holy Chnd there now, GertJ y she
Yes, dazzling. Hark, the Christmas bells
are ringing they seem 10 say, Come aud "dofe
Himp"
"Go. then" said the child. 81 wonder what
He will send me shall lie awake onsIl you
come back"
out tina, beautiful midnight Mass as ouly tie
simple and earnest in faith could pray. no"
little she knew. poor child what thar CHRIST
mas eve was TO bring forth for her! The sight
Of that tender infant face, 80 full OF love and
gentleness, melted her heart. Her strength
seemed TO leave her, and Gertrude wept as she
had never yet done. 1t was thar violent weep
ing which attracted the notice OF the lady
kneeliDg near her. Aid and help did come and
more as TO follow.
CHATTER III.
Clnspug toe golden treasure tightly in her
hands Gertrude left the church. TO her soy
row ali the shops were closed. She looked IA
vain TO see If she could not fed ore open.
where she might buy something to take home
with her for the xpectaDr little sister at last
she bethought herself of the woman who
served them with bread, She was Catholic,
and Gertrude remembered TO have seen her in
church in all probability her house would
still be open. Gertrude half hesitated; to
reach the shop she was obliged TO go far out
of her way. She had to pass the principal
street and the Grand crescent, where the gran
does of Ceveden dwelt. She remem bered her
little sisters wistfal eyes and her own promise;
hen she decided to go.
She passed quickly through the deserted
streets. The snow was hardened by the cold
biting frost. She came at last to the Grand
eresceut-a terrace of beautiful mansions in
habted only by those who bad ample wealth
| at the tall, stately houses, and while thinking
of them her foot half slipped, and she nearly
| fell TO the ground. When she stopped to see
| over what abe had tripped, she saw lying in
the white snow q little dark square object.
| She raised it from the ground, and found II wac
| a ladys pocket book, with a pretty delicate
| binding, on one side monogram and crest
| Hastily thr listing it in the pocket of her dress
| she hurried on 70 the shop. She was fortunate
| enough to overtake toe mistress of the house
who was just returning from church. One OF
the bright golden pieces was soon changed
aud Gertrnfe went home through the winters
Snow, heavily laden with good things for heI
| mother ana sister.
tie voice as she opened her room door. What
has He sent re T.
"Tois SID Gertrude placing a tempting
!i'''- cake aud some ora g~- by TIE coiId
H3E good Es Is" cred Lilly.
Tr-u GsTiruce went 70 her mothers room
I'D EIts,d her j1yfGliy.
Y-7-eT TINES are coming for Ms, mother,
81 ss;c. Il feel cure Of it, without knowing
Il We rct until sbe Rad attended to boil
-: .-vaads- and had f1ished saying her pray
e-s- rbSi Gs-tEade remec bered the pocket b Dol
. Ce-iru1s y sss t.oe lady. Fox some minute
.ts lev ;sfet before opening II, not lkiug q
Z 'esd q: 49, anything never intended TO meet
Et-E-E ers eyes As she uufastered the lttl
elss. ard fgI! from TIE book. % il she read
. Ne EyTjs. Grand crescent. Cisve den"
{ y at rnu-, De she lady TO whom ii belongs
2 Gertrude. Il WI! take = 70 ESr.'
. So Gi6 not mention the finding o; the bon
n - Nrs F4rs oDr'i the morning a1ier CaIssr ma
I inv, wien ne went 70 Tstgru j.. Her u"tDe
sss TOO .isl,=,-s ard weary - tske any nttr"s
= 40 II rEer: be never asked % see il. 81
- ki+e=d tie .J,IoE face that was bent uSer he
d aud begged Gertrude would hurry back
/. When Gertrude reached No. enc did nc
, feel inclined TO leave vbat she had found j
the bands Of the very irdoient looking foo
X man no opened the door. SIZE asked to ct
2 Mrs. Eyrle, saying il was on important bus
II ness
e "wbat namef" drawled that elegant fun
c. tiooary.
5e 81 am quite unknown to your mistress" T
T. piled Gertruoe giving him, however, net
lie little card, uyon which was engraved, Mi
n Fame. Teacher of Music"
is Take seat he said, throwing open II
is door of a beautifully furnhhed room. Ge
trude sat wondering AZ the luxury dIsplaye
Or aud longing With all her heart f6at some sms
Of share of such might some time fall to h
a mothers lot.
= Presently the same domestic appeared egai
At My mistress will see you in the DRAWN
,e roou," he said Gertrudes heart beat pal
1t fully as sac followed him there What if, att
III all, 'be lady should think u presumptuous
her TO wish to see herf Yet she would n