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

"What bore !" said poor Gerald to himself
mentally resolving to rise at ei1 10 sne mo
log and take an outward survey OF the cottage,
If no could do no more.
He did az he intended, but alas! IL was only
to fiod the little house dismsntled and pare u
waHevident that NO one had lived IN the place
for many months. He inquired ut the Toll gaze
what had happened, and was told that the
family had left near year ago. No one knew
Squire Lynwood smiled when he saw the
gloomy, disappointed look on his sons face.
He know perfectly well where his son had been
"I almost wish, cir" said Gerald, lyon would
excuse me, and let me spend Christmas quietly
at home here 1 feel tired and OverdOne."
"Mrs. E,rl particularly wished us to bring
our son and heir.
She is very kind" muttered Gerald, with
an inward sbudder.
The Journey from Cleveden TO Berton Manor
was q long and cold one. Night had set in
when they reached the station nearest 10 Ne
Manor House. A beautifully appointsH Gag
riage was there to meet them. The dTi'
through the park was one of uprivaled bead
ty /; the snow-fringed trees, the dark ever
green's with their white, soft snow harden, TOE
shining ioicles glitteripg in the moopi'g ., inc
moaning through the trees and bending fIelr
tall heads, while the snow from their bTauches
was scattered about over all, the bright moon
shone with her soft, silvery light. Gerald vas
in raptures.
"Give me English winter scenery - he said,
for real picturesque beauty is not TITS go
rious, father I"
at is, indeed" replied the Squire 8 a.d
now, my SOD, 1 will tell you secret rGis x
tensive park. this large estate, may one day bt
your own. I am bringing you here to intro
duce you to the lady hope TO see your wife
"Are you going to marry me to Old krs
Eyrie - asked Gerald, trying to smile.
mo; but to her heiress," replied Mr.: Lyn'
wood.
at is useless, father" cried Gerald 81 srn
grieved this warfare has begun again. will
not disobey you unless you drive me to des
peration but no other woman save Gertrude
| Fame shall ever be my wifeH
| The carriage stopped before the door of an
old English country house, from which the
| ruddy light streamed upon the white snow. I'll
| seemed all glow of light and warmth.
Gerald was bewiidered to find himself in 8
| few more minutes in an old English hall, where
| the yule-log burned gsily upon the hearth, anc
the light fell upon the Christmas evergreens.
Mrs. Eyrle, in dress of black velvet which
| seemed to sweep the ground, welcomed then
most Hospitality. She looked younger and hap
pier than when he saw her first.
After the travelling party had changed thei
dresses they were conducted to the'drawip G
room, where all the Christmas guests were as
| sembled.
| Gerald stood for moment bewildered. Som
one had exercised great taste in the decora
tions. The rare pictures and costly chandelier
were wreathsd With shining laurel intOrmixe'
with dark fr,-and the welcome green holl!
proudly displayed its red berries. A Christina
| tree, q Tall, Gaperln& nE, BtOOO IN ONO corner
The light from the yulelog glowed and spark
led, showing fair young faces all bright will
hope and love.
Gerald was formally introduced by Mrs
Eyrle to her daughter, Mrs. Lisle. He did no
look very attentively at her. He certainly dit
not recognise in the richly dressed lady befor
him the mother of the obscure music teacher.
Now" said Mrs. Eyrle gaily, Il must intro
duce YOU to my heiress" She led him ter
beautiful girl standing just where the golde
light of the chandelier fell upon her. wreat
of holly encircled her head, and lay on the sol
silky hair; q blush overspread the beautifc
face as they drew near her. Gerald could nc
speak for astonishment. Mrs. EyEle locke
with great amusement at his beWildered fac
LET me introduce you" she said, to 10
, dear grapdchiid, Gertrude Lisle."
And let me hope" said voice near then
that you will keep your word, Gerald, an
make no other woman your Wife," and tn
r Squire, with shining, happy face aud WI
ey es, placed Gertrude's hand in that of his Sol
| IL was a Joyous Christmas eve; when tt
happy young man had recovered himself su
} ficiently to ask questions, he heard the who
q As they stood around the pretty Christm
tree, the carols sung by the village waite TO
i softly and sweetly on the air. Gertrnt
. thought Of one short year ago, when she be
Rou ght the crib in snch grief and sorrow.
{ was all ended now she had asked the King
riches for help, and He had given to her mo
: than she asked.
8 gratitude as they sang again the sweet sto
q of old.
< "How happy we sre!" said Lilly, as 81
T look ed on the bright loving faces around be
i You deserve 90 be happy, my darling
O whispered Mrs. Eyrle to Gertrude, " for indet
you trusted in God"
e And Gertrude smiled as the Christmas chin
l. began to peal, and one by one they kissed he
I, and wished her, as we, dear reader, wish 20
warmly and heartily
d "a merry Christmas aud happy new Yea
!