The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1876-04-23

He, too, seemed surprised on seeing them
| and after a moments hesitation, said
Z" beg yonr pardon, ladies, l was taking
a ramble, but fear have been intruding
lherr is an artist among you, II DO not
mistake. found paint brush here, and
this pretty little gem"
| Eva grew very red in the face. She al.
most uncouscously smiled at him, and
then Immediately hung her head, and be-
gan to tremble.
He looked from one to another of the
girls. Their eyes were fixed on Eva.
Come, Eva" hglf whispered Kate,
don't be shy; the gentleman admires
your painting, as we all do. You have a
right to hold up your head, and he proud
OF your perseverance aud success"
The gentleman overheard the remark.
" Is it possihle!" he mentally exclaimed,
scrutinizing Eva's unsghtly garb and fig
ire. All! it ia the old, old adage over
again, we must not judge the book by the
cover"
The gentleman on ascertainipg that she
would like to sell it, offered her q hand
some sum, which she was only too delight
ed to accept.
He proved to be the owner of large
picture gallery and took the present op-
portunity of engaging Eva to execute
paintings for him, as long asst should prove
her pleasure to do so.
This silver lining to all Eva's clouds,
caused her heart to feel as if it were burst
ing with happiness, it beat so loud and
joyfully. She would not exchange her pos
ltion, then, with the wealthiest heiress on
the continent.
On the gentleman taking his leave, the
girls crowded around Eva, copgratulating
her, and prophesying all sorts of a golden
future for the obscure little huncbback.
They then accompanied her to the little
church of Our Lady, and witnessed her
pourout her prayer of gratitude for what
she felt to be the happiest day of her whole
life.
"Aud now, Eva" said Kate, when the
former arose from her knees, those
wreaths we have been braidipg are for
the sweet benefactress who has so visi
bly, favored you. We have little nook
at home dedicated to her, and every Sat-
urday we deck it with fresh green leavee,
while the season permits US. Will you,
in future become one of us in the pleasant
task Z"
Chow can you ask met" eaid Eva,
hinging her arms around the neck Of Kate;
d" do you not know that 1 wish to show Der
my gratitude !"
" Then we will call for you next Satur-
day." said Kate, and you will be ready
to come with Us, know. Good by Eva"
Good by, dear Eva" chorused the rest
of the girls, approaching one by one to
take their leave. Standing at the foot of
the hill The little hunchback leaned on o
rock and watched the fair group gather
in 1.-THE tiny boat and glide away, their
handkerchiefs waving her an adieu, while
sweet and clear arose the hymn 20 the good
Mother.
AS years passed on, Eva, through her
brilliant success as a painter, found her
self capable OF contributing large sums
towards the improvement OF affairs erected
in honor of the Madonna. To the little
church where her first prayer for success
was granted, she presented beautiful
statue of Oar Lady wearing crown of real
gems. Kate, with the rest of the girls who
had criticised her first attempt at art, were
with her when she purchased it. They, too,
were happy in seeing Eva 80 high mp the
golden rounds, as was also Mother Fern,
who at last consented to believe that her
reward had come.-Yoanq CrMs oder.