The morning star and Catholic messenger., 1876-01-02

give tnem weight, and that his experienced
would prevail over the mind of an ignorant
youth. "We will see.', said he to himself; "ht
thinks of his love, but think of myself an
therefore the party most interested; mus
call in all my cunning to assist me. Icanno
help, it, young mau, if you suffer /; I must mo-
be the VICTIM" Having somewhat com posed
his mind with this determination, he at length
fell asleep. Bot his dreams, alas! how hor
| rocks, cries, bullets.
The arousing from sleep, after a recent mis-
fortune, is bitter moment; the mind at fret
habitually recurs to it's previous TRANQUILITY,
bnt is soon depressed BY the thought of the
contrast that awaits it, When alive TO O sense
of his situation, Don Abbondio recapitulated
the plans of the night, made q better disposal
of them, and after having risen, awaited with
dread and impstience the moment of Renzo's
arrival.
Lorenzo-or, as he was called, Renzo-did
rot make him wait long; at early hour he
presented himself before the curate with the
joyful readiness of one who was on this day to
espouse her whom he loved. He had been de-
prived of his parents in his youth, and now
was, it might be said, hereditary in his family.
This trade had once been very lucrative; and
although now on the decline, skilful work
man might obtain from it a respectable liveli-
hood. The continual emigration of the trades
men, attracted to the peighboring states by
promises and privileges, left sufficient employ
ment for those who remained behind. Besides,
Renzo possessed a small farm which he had
cultivated himself when otherwise unoccu pied,
so that, for one of his condition, he might be
called wealthy: aud although the last harvest
had been more deficient than the preceding
ones, and the evils of famine were beginning
to be felt yet from the moment he had given
his heart to Lucy, he had been 80 economical
as 10 preserve II sufficiency of all necessaries,
appeared before Don Abbondio gsily dressed,
aud with a joyful countenauce. The myste-
rious and perplexed manner of the curate
formed singular contrast to that of the hand
some yonDg man.
What is the matter now - thought Renzo !;
bnt without waiting to answer his own ques-
tion, "Signor Curate,' said he, al am come to
know at what hour of the day it will be con-
Ven'enS for you that We should be at the
church ~
'Ot what day do yon speak ?"
How! of what day Do you not remember
that this IL the day appointed I"
To. day. replied Don Abbondo, as if he
heard it for the first time: " to-day to-day
be patient, cannot to day"
You cannot to-day. Why not 7"
" In the first place, am not we'll"
am sorry for it; but we shall not detain
you long, and You will not he much fatigned."
But then-but then"
But then what, siri'
There are di4culties."
"Dificalties! " How can that be 7"
People should be in our situation, to know
how many obstac 'es there to these matters.
l am too yielding; think only of removing
impediments, of rendering all things easy, and
promoting the happiness of others. To do this
neglect my duty, and am covered with re-
" In the name of Heaven, keep me not thus
in suspense, but tell a. once what is the
matterW
"Do you know how many formaHsies are
required before the marriag ge can be cele-
brated Z"
must, indeed, know something of them"
said Renzo, beginning to grow angry, - since
you have rseked my brains with them alum
dantly these few days back. But are not all
things now readyf Have YOU not done all
there was to do ~
All, all, you expect but be patient, tell
you. have been a btockhead to neglect my
daty, that L might not cause pain to Others.
We poor curates-we are, as may be said ever
between hawk and a buzzard. / pity Won,
yonng man! 1 perceive your impatience, but
my superiors-I Enough, have reasons for
what say, but I cannot tell alive, however.
are sure to suffer"
" But tell me what this other formality is,
and L will perform it immediately"
=" Do yon know how many obstacles stand in
the way p
4" How can l know anything of obstacles :"
Error, conditio, votum, cognatis, crimen.
cuitus dIsparitas, Wis., ordo- 81 sit afinis--"
oh! for Heavens sake-how should | un.
derstaud all this Latin r.
Be patient-tbese not points to be
cleared up IN an Instant There riH be moth
ing, L hope; but whether or not, we must
search into the matter. The passage is clear
cet-"
=
But it is necessary to explain to you"
:, But why not do this before J Why tell me
all was preparedf Why wait
See there now to reproach ME with nv
kindness! | have FASTENED every thing to
serve ,you; but there has occurred- we'll, |
we'll, know"
Aud what do you wish that 1 should doP
Be patient for few days. My dear child, |
\ few days are not eternity: be patient"
For how long time, then I"
we are coming to good conclusion
hought Don Abbondio. Come" said he.
gently. " in fifteen days will endeavor-"
, Fifteen days! Oh, this is something new.
10 tell me now, on the very day you Yourself |
appointed for my marriage, that must wait |
lftsen days! Fifteen " resumed he, with low !
Ind angry voice. |
Don AbboDdia interrupted him, earnestly |
eizing his hand. and with an imploring tone !
,eseeching him to be quiet. "Come, come
ion't be angry, for the love of Heaven! PG |
ee, III see If in week.
-''
- That it has been a mistake of mine"
And to the worldi I"
Say also it is my fault; that through too !
sreat haste have made some great blunder |
hrow all the blame on me. Can I do more
han thsf Come in a week.